Abstract

An experiment was conducted in 2006/07 dry season to evaluate the effect of mulching, nitrogen and irrigation
interval on the nutritional quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) at Shika, Nigeria. Treatments
consisted of three mulching (no mulch, rice-straw mulch and black polythene mulch) four nitrogen rates (0, 45,
90 and 135kgN ha-1) and three irrigation intervals (5, 10 and 15 days). Mulching significantly increased the dry
matter, protein and carbohydrate contents in fruits, but decreased the crude fiber content. In most cases rice-straw
mulch appeared a better mulching material. N rate of 45kg ha-1 had more dry matter content over control, but
higher values for protein and carbohydrate contents were with 90kg ha-1. The 135kgN ha-1 rate depressed
carbohydrate content. Irrigation interval of 10 days recorded more dry matter and crude fiber while highest fruit
carbohydrate contents was attained at 15 day irrigation interval over the 5-day interval. Delaying irrigation
significantly depressed fruit protein content. Rice-straw mulch + 90kgN ha-1 or polythene mulch in combination
with 45kgN ha-1 had more carbohydrate in fruits.

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