Author(s):

Mintu Job

Abstract: Partial control of the microclimatic conditions can be achieved in low cost polyhouses with detachable roof during summer season. One means of alleviating climatically induced stress is through modifications of microclimate which include any artificially introduced changes in the composition, behavior or dynamics of the atmosphere near the ground so as to improve the environment in which crops grow. The present investigation was carried out to study the performance of Tomato (cv:All rounder) under both polyhouse and open condition with different plastic mulches. This experiment was conducted at field of the department of agricultural engineering, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi during the period from December 2011 to May 2013. Air temperature inside the polyhouse was distinctly higher than the open field condition from December to March and after March air temperature at outside was found higher. Relative humidity showed a reverse trend with respect to temperature under both environmental conditions. The light intensity inside the greenhouse was always lower (30 – 50%) than the open field. Soil under polyhouse always maintained 2- 5oC lower temperature as compared to the open field irrespective of the growing periods of the crop. Among the mulches, soil temperature was recorded higher under transparent mulch followed by silver black mulch under both conditions. Highest yield of 22.2 kg/plot (73.9 t/ha) and 376 fruits/ plot were obtained inside the polyhouse under black mulch. The fruit yield inside the greenhouse was nearly two times more than in the open field condition. Detachable roof Polyhouse has been found to be a good alternative to have minor alterations under microclimatic conditions for achieving almost double yield of tomato compared to open field. Among the mulches, black and silver black mulches, have been found to bring about the desired conditions both within the polyhouse as well as open conditions. When farmers are not able to grow tomato under polyhouse conditions application of these two mulches would be advantageous even under open conditions

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