Implications of mulch and drip fertigation on chemical composition of litchi (Litchi chinensis) cv. Rose Scented

Abstract

The present study was carried to assess the impact of mulch and drip fertigation on the chemical composition of litchi cv. Rose Scented. The experimental trial was conducted for two successive year viz. 2015-16 and 2016-17 at HRC, Pattharchatta, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar. The trial was laid in randomised block design with three replications. Twelve treatment combinations including one control (viz. surface irrigation in conjunction with soil fertilization) were examined. The treatment combinations incorporated three drip irrigation levels (i.e. 50, 75 and 100 per cent based on estimated irrigation water requirement) and two fertigation doses (1:0.5 and 1:1 N/K of recommended fertilizer dose), with and without mulch. The results revealed that the treatment combination viz. mulch application with drip irrigation at 100 per cent level and fertigation at 1:1 N/K of recommended fertilizer dose was most superior with maximum ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar during the first as well as second year of study.