Impact of micro-irrigation and mulching techniques on yield, water use efficiency, water productivity, and economic viability of tomato under rain shelter

In agriculture, the adoption of micro-irrigation and mulching techniques stands out as effective water Management strategies, aimed at conserving water and enhancing water use efficiency. Hence, this study investigated how these practices impact the yield, water use efficiency, water productivity, and economics of tomato cultivation. The study encompasses five micro irrigation techniques, namely rain hose, surface drip, and subsurface drip at 10, 15 and 20 cm depths, coupled with two mulching treatments (no mulch and organic mulch using dry banana leaves @ 10 t ha^-1). Results indicate that number of fruits plant^-1 (35.69) and fruit weight (43.60 g) were highest in subsurface drip at 10 cm depth. Organic mulch recorded the highest number of fruits plant^-1 (31.37) and fruit weight (39.69 g) compared to no mulch. The combination of subsurface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth with organic mulch recorded the highest fruit yield plant^-1 (1.44 kg), water use efficiency (7.67 kg m^-3), net returns (₹ 5.43 lakhs ha^-1) and B:C ratio (2.04). Thus, adopting subsurface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth with organic mulch (dry banana leaves) at 10 t ha^-1 could be a viable option for achieving higher yields, water use efficiency, and net returns in tomato.