Productivity and Profitability of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Influenced by Various Transplanting Dates and Mulches

A field trial was conducted to access the effect of transplanting dates and mulching on yield of tomato and nutrient status of soil. Among different dates of planting (5^th November) recorded highest vegetative growth, yield attributes and total fruit yield; whereas it was vice-versa in case of 15^th December planting. Among different mulch materials, black polythene showed significant effect on vegetative growth, yield and yield attributes. Marketable fruit yield (44.21 t/ha) was significantly higher in black polythene mulch compared to other mulch materials. Further, Nutrient status of soil after the harvest of crop was remarkably influenced. Higher values of available N (335 kg ha⁻¹), P₂O₅(69 kg ha⁻¹), K₂O (353 kg ha⁻¹) were noticed under the treatment of D₁M₁ (5^th November and black polythene mulch). Further, the conjoint application of 5^th November and black polythene mulch recorded the higher benefit: cost ratio of 2.05: 1.