Effect of Black Mulching on Growth and Yield of Chilli under Drip Fertigation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of black mulch on growth and yield of chili under drip fertigation at Dr. P.D.K.V., Akola from August 2013 to February 2014. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with five treatments which included four irrigation levels (100 %, 80 %, 60 %, and 40 %) with plastic mulch and (100 % ET) without mulch considering four times replication. The study indicated higher plant growth, number of fruits, and enhancement in the yield under all drip irrigation with mulch. The yield of green chili was maximum in the treatment of drip irrigation at 80 % ET with mulch (335.16 q/ha) and found to be at par with the treatment of drip irrigation at 100 % ET with mulch (319.50 q/ha) directly reflects 17.01 percent water is saving with comparable yield. A minimum yield of chili was found in the treatment of drip irrigation at 100 % ET without mulching (201.95 q/ha). Irrigation water use efficiency of 9.58 q/ha-cm was found in the treatment of 80 % ET with mulch. Highest weed count and weed weight was observed in the control treatment of 100 % ET without mulch, and negligible weed growth was found in all mulching treatment. By benefit-cost ratio, it is economically viable for the farmers to adopt drip irrigation at 80 % ET with mulching for green chili which shows BC ratio of 2.71.