“Effect of dates of sowing and mulching on grain yield, straw yield and harvesting index of Summer Mash ( Vigna Mungo )”

Abstract

The present investigation entitled, “Effect of dates of sowing and mulching on grain yield, straw yield and harvesting index of Summer Mash (Vigna Mungo)” was carried out at Experimental Farm, Mr Yadvinder Singh at VPO-Bhangala Tehsil Abohar District Fazilka - Punjab during kharif 2014. The experiment comprising of different dates (5th and 25th April) for sowing in main plot, three mulch levels (0, 3 and 6 t/ha) in sub plot was laid out in split plot design. The treatment combinations were replicated four times. The date of sowing showed beneficial effect on grain yield, straw yield and harvesting index of Summer Mash. The findings can be useful for improving productivity and profitability of Summer mash. The sowing of Summer mash on 5th April significantly gave 21.9% higher grain yield and 17.7% straw yield over 25th April sown crop. The mulch application at 3 and 6 t/ha increased grain yield to the extent of 8.1% and 30.6% respectively over no much application. The percent harvest index was higher i.e. (41.9) in case of 5th April sown crop. The interaction effect between sowing time and mulch levels showed non-significant effect on harvest index.