Impact of deficit irrigation and plastic mulch on economics of capsicum grown under naturally ventilated polyhouse

Abstract

Impact of deficit irrigation and plastic mulch on economics of drip irrigated capsicum crop under the naturally ventilated polyhouse was studied under this experimental trial. Present study includes six drip irrigation levels viz., 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% and 100% (Control without mulch) of crop evapotranspiration with four replications to assess their impact on economics of crop inside the naturally ventilated polyhouse. Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L. Indra Variety) plants were grown under the naturally ventilated polyhouse and irrigated through drip irrigation system. The gross cost of cultivation of capsicum production under T1 treatment was maximum (500130.2 Rs/ha) and minimum is treatment T6 (492510.4 Rs/ha). Maximum net income was gained from treatment T3 (1205550.1 Rs/ha) whereas minimum net income was reported in treatment T5 (-21546.8 Rs/ha). Maximum output-input ratio was observed in treatment T3 (3.41) and minimum output-input ratio was reported in treatment T5 (0.96). Thus, the results revealed that highest B: C ratio was found at drip irrigation level equal to 80% of crop evapotranspiration under the naturally ventilated polyhouse. Results showed that 80% of crop evapotranspiration is more beneficial in terms of yield & net benefit obtained and thus should be practiced to enhance water use efficiency in irrigated areas.