EFFECT OF MULCHING ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF POTATO (Solanmn tuberosum L.) Cv. KUFRl CHANDRAMUKHI
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Date
1990
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AAU, Anand
Abstract
An experiment in Randomized Block Design was laid out in two successive seasons, i.e. Winter of 1981-82 and 1902-03, on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cv. Kufri Chandramukhi at the Experimental Orchard of the Department of Horticulture, U. A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand to compare with control six treatments viz. mulching with paddy straw, rice husk, sawdust, black polyethylene, transparent polyethylene and mere earthing up once. This study revealed that soil temperatures were the lowest under the organic mulches. Soil moisture was measured at intervals and irrigations given when soil moisture reached 15.2 per cent i.e. 75 per cent available moisture. Mulches retained moisture above this level for longer periods and needed 3-4 irrigations less than the control. Li Growth parameters and grades of harvested potato tubers were noted and their correlation with yield tested. Starch, protein, ash and moisture content of tubers were estimated. Weed population was less under mulches other than the transparent polyethylene and early blight incidence was less under all mulches The yield of potato under paddy straw was the maximum and so also the large size potatoes. This was followed by rice husk and then by sawdust, black polyethylene and transparent polyethylene. Earthing up treatment and control were the last and at par with each other. Starch content of tubers was the highest whereas protein and ash contents were the lowest under paddy straw mulch. Economic benefit was worked out Benefit which showed maximum/by mulching potato with paddy straw.
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HORTICULTURE, A STUDY