Soil mulches able to mitigate soil water deficiency impacts on Eureka lemon (Citrus limon Burm) production in rainfed environments in the Shivaliks of Jammu

Abstract

Irregular rainfall distribution and inefficient rainwater management generate rigorous constraints on crop production in rainfed areas. Different types of mulches are effective methods for improving agricultural productivity and water consumption. However, the effects of these mulching practices on soil water supply and plant water use associated with crop yield are not well understood. A two years study was conducted to analyze the occurrence and distribution of dry spells in a rainfed region of kandi belt in Jammu and to evaluate the effects of non-mulching (CK), bajra straw (BS), maize straw (MS), grasses (G), branker (B) (Adhotada vassica), farmyard manure (FYM) and black polyethylene (BP) on the soil water supply, plant water use and fruit yield in Eureka lemon (Citrus limon Burm). Various organic and inorganic mulches significantly increased the soil moisture status in surface and sub-surface soil layer. The BP mulch recorded the maximum moisture content followed by FYM and B. The BP and FYM were found to be more successful in producing maximum growth extension than rest of the treatments although the differences were non-significant among the treatments. As a result, the fruit yield significantly increased by 15.5, 12.0, 10.5, 9.3, 8.2 and 7.1% for the BP, FYM, B, MS, BS and G treatment compared with the CK treatment. It is concluded that both BP and FYM are effective strategies for mitigating the impacts of water deficit and improving Eureka lemon production in rainfed areas. However, BP is more effective than FYM and B. The poor aeration, non-decomposable nature and lofty cost are the constraints of utilize BP as mulch material. Among the organic mulches, the cost of B was less as the material is easily available in local areas followed by BS and MS.