Relative efficacy of different mulch types on soil moisture conservation and performance of rainfed turmeric in an agroforestry system of Mizoram

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the relative efficiency of different types of mulch materials such as rice straw, weeds and subabul leaves applied at 6, 8 and 10 t/ha on the performance of rainfed turmeric and soil moisture conservation. Mulches significantly (P = 0.05) affected soil moisture retention and crop productivity. Results showed that application of mulches at 10 t/ha conserved more moisture and increased yield of turmeric. The soil moisture retention in the plots was in the order of rice straw > subabul leaf > weeds. Application of subabul mulch resulted in maximum yield of turmeric over other mulches. Quality of mulch was more effective than quantity in conserving soil moisture and increasing growth and yield of turmeric.