Influence of Plastic and organic mulching on productivity, growth and weed density in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in kharief season at experimental farm, division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar to study the effect of mulching on growth and yield of chilli for three consecutive years 2013 -15. Three levels of organic mulch as 6.0, 9.0t and 12.0t/ha paddy straw and three forms of inorganic mulch as black double coated, white double coated and black single coated polythene of 30 micron thickness were used. Data was recorded on soil moisture, weed density, number of fruits, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight and fruit yield. Economics of various treatments was also worked out and B:C ratio was calculated. Black plastic mulch (double coated) recorded the highest soil moisture retention (16.74%), lowest weed density (74.81g/plot dry weight), highest number of fruits (140/plant), with maximum fruit weight (9.99g) and total fruit yield (463.08q/ha). Mulching with double coated black polythene recorded highest B:C ratio of 3.49 hence may be stated as a viable tool to increase yield in chilli under temperate conditions.