EFFECT OF DRIP IRRIGATION LEVELS AND MULCHES ON BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) YIELD IN MID HILL ZONE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2024-01-10
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UHF Nauni
Abstract
The present study entitled “Effect of drip irrigation levels and mulches on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) yield in mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted at research farm, Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Nauni - Solan during 2022-2023. The seven treatments were as follows: 100% ETc + Grass mulch (I1M1), 80% ETc + Grass mulch (I2M1), 60% ETc + Grass mulch (I3M1), 100% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I1M2), 80% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I2M2), 60% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I3M2) and Control - surface irrigation with 4 cm at 10 days interval as practiced by farmers and no mulch (I0M0), with three replication in randomized block design having each plot size of 2.25 m×1.80 m and spacing 45 cm×45 cm. The treatment I1M1 recorded higher soil moisture content than other treatments at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The average minimum and maximum soil temperatures were recorded highest in I3M1 and I0M0, respectively at both soil depths 5 cm and 10 cm. The maximum available N, P and K were found in I2M1 at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The highest bacterial count, fungi count and actinomycetes count were recorded under I2M1 at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The maximum plant height (51.10 cm), yield (242 q ha-1), net returns (Rs 3.51 Lakh ha-1), B:C ratio (3.64), minimum days to marketable maturity (102.00) and high water use efficiency (20.46 q ha-1 cm-1) were obtained under I2M1. Hence, I2M1 (80% ETc + Grass mulch) is considered as most efficient and cost effective irrigation treatment among all treatments. The study has led to a conclusion that for maximizing growth and yield of broccoli in mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, irrigation schedule I2 (80% ETc) with M1 (Grass mulch) i.e. I2M1 having 11.83 cm as crop water requirement through drip irrigation could be the best.