Reponses of Tomato (Lycopersicon Lycopersicum Mill), Soil Temperature and Soil Moisture Content to Mulch Material and Mulching Rate in Ogbomoso and Mokwa, Nigeria

Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) belongs to the solanaceae family. It originated in Peru and Mexico, in the present day Central and South America from where it spread to other parts of the world [1]. Tomato reached Europe from Mexico in the 16th century, and was initially used as ornamental plant. Its cultivation for edible fruits started at the end of the 18th century. Tomato was introduced to West Africa and Nigeria in particular, at the end of the 19th century [2]. It is currently considered to be one of the main vegetable crops in the world, and constitutes an economic force that influences the income of many growers in the world [3]. In Nigeria tomato also finds its way into almost every kitchen. Tomato crop is very important in terms of diet and economy in Nigeria both during the rainy season (rainfed) and dry season using irrigation facilities. It is used as a condiment in stews and soup or eaten raw in salads. Industrially, the crop is made into puree, sauce, paste and powder [4]. Mulching is the process or practice of covering the soil/ ground to make more favorable conditions for plant growth, development and efficient crop production. Mulch technical term means ‘covering of soil’ [5]. While natural mulches such as leaf, straw, dead leaves and compost have been used for centuries, during the last 60 years the advent of synthetic materials has altered the methods and benefits of mulching. When compared to other mulches plastic mulches are completely impermeable to water; it therefore prevents direct evaporation of moisture from the soil and thus limits the water losses and soil erosion over the surface [6]. In this manner it plays a positive role in water conservation and the suppression of evaporation also has a supplementary effect; it prevents the rise of water containing salt, which is important in countries with high salt content water resources [7].