Author(s): K. DAS, S. SAU, T. SARKAR and P. DUTTA

Abstract: An investigation was carried out over three years in the farmer’s field of litchi cv. Bombai to study the effect of mulching on yield, physico-chemical qualities and leaf mineral composition of litchi grown in new alluvial zone of West Bengal. Experimental findings revealed that different mulches significantly increased the soil moisture per cent, fruit retention, physico-chemical qualities of fruits and leaf mineral (N, P, and K) composition. Among different mulches, paddy straw mulch showed maximum (22.80%) soil moisture content and fruit retention (18.42 nos panicle^-1) with highest (94.42 kg plant^-1) yield followed by mulches with mango leaves. This treatment also showed maximum TSS (20.20° Brix), total sugar (14.80%) with minimum (0.60%) acidity of fruit. Leaf mineral composition was also increased with the application of different mulches. Among different mulches paddy straw proved effective in all respect.

Download Full Article: Click Here