To evaluate the effect of mulch, Irrigation methods and schedules on yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Abstract

A study was carried out at PAU, Ludhiana (Punjab) to evaluate the effect of mulch, Irrigation methods and schedules on yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma longa). The experiment was laid out in split plot design keeping, combination of mulch levels (straw mulch @ 6 t/ha and no mulch) and irrigation methods (drip and check basin) in main plots and irrigation schedules (0.6 IW: CPE, 0.8 IW: CPE, 1.0 IW: CPE and 1.2 IW: CPE) in sub plots with three replications. Application of straw mulch resulted in significantly higher curcumin and oil yield as compared to no mulch treatment. Drip irrigation resulted in 41.1 and 42.2; 43.2 and 35.7 per cent higher curcumin and oil yield than check basin, respectively, in 1st, 2nd year. Crop raised with 1.2 IW: CPE schedule produced significantly higher growth and yield attributes than 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 IW: CPE schedules. Drip irrigation at 1.2 IW: CPE schedule gave maximum curcumin and oil yield, which was at par with drip irrigation at 1.0 IW: CPE but significantly better than all other combinations of methods of irrigation and irrigation schedule. Curcumin and oil content did not differ significantly with application of mulch, irrigation methods and schedules.