Performance of Selected Indigenous Crops Under Drip Irrigation in the North-East Region of India

Abstract

Among indigenous horticultural crops, Citrus limon L. Burmf (Assam Lemon), Citrus reticulata L. Blanco (Khasi Mandarin), and Capsicum chinense (Bhut Jolokia) have commercial potential in eight states of North East Region of India. One common issue associated with commercial growing of these crops is irrigation management. Based on traditional drip irrigation technique using split bamboo, modern techniques were tested for these three crops for effects of water and nutrient levels. All three crops responded well to microirrigation. For Assam Lemon, drip irrigation at 0.8 of water requirement (WR) based on pan evaporation (PE) without black plastic mulch was best treatment for maximum return on investment than the rain-fed conditions. The fertigation through same system resulted in increase in B:C ratio from 3.17 to 4.17 at 20% reduced rate of fertilizer. As an organic alternative, vermiwash was tested for fertigation of Assam Lemon. Despite better growth and yield, there was a negative return on investment because of high cost of vermiwash. Drip irrigation in C. reticulata L. Blanco (Khasi Mandarin) also resulted in better plant growth. For drip-irrigated C. chinense (Bhut Jolokia) under plastic mulching, maximum yield and benefit was obtained when irrigation rate was 1.20 times of WR based on PE.