Effect of mulch materials and intercrops on the yield of turmeric cv. Surama under rainfed conditions.
Mohanty D. C., Sarma Y. N., Panda B. S.
Author Affiliation: High Altitude Research Station, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Pottangi 764?039, District of Koraput, Orissa, India.
Indian Cocoa, Arecanut and Spices Journal 15 : 8-11
Abstract : Field experiments were carried out on turmeric cv. Surama planted at a 30 × 20 cm spacing during 1985-88. Mulches of dry forest leaf litter, paddy straw, green sal [Shorea robusta] leaves, dry sal leaves, green eucalyptus leaves, green mango leaves or compost were applied at 12.5 t/ha at the time of planting followed by a further 5 t/ha at 45 and 90 days after planting. In additional experiments, a mulch of dry forest leaf litter was applied at planting with the second and third mulches replaced by sowing an intercrop of French beans [Phaseolus vulgaris] at 45 days after planting of turmeric, or French beans and red gram [Cajanus cajan] were sown as intercrops at the time of planting of turmeric (no mulches). Non-mulched plants acted as a control. Leaf and straw mulches and mulching + intercropping with French bean resulted in earlier germination, reduced weed growth, and increased yield compared with compost mulch, intercropping with red gram and French bean, and the control. Highest yield (mean of 3 years 13.84 t/ha) was obtained with dry forest leaf litter. Highest return/rupee investment was obtained with dry forest leaf litter + intercropping with French bean (Rs?2.16), closely followed by dry forest leaf litter alone (Rs?2.13).