Performance of summer groundnut under different types of plastic mulch

Abstract

Groundnut is the main kharif crop of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat state. It is also cultivated in summer season in this region. The productivity of summer groundnut is limited by low temperature at initial growth stage, limited availability of irrigation water and higher temperature during reproductive growth period. A field experiment was conducted for two years to evaluate the performance of summer groundnut under six mulch treatments i.e. silver black plastic, transparent LDPE, PP nonwoven, biodegradable, no mulch (raised bed) and flatbed (control). Experiment was laid out with Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. Crop water requirement was calculated by FAO Penman-Monteith method. Irrigation water was applied through drip irrigation in all treatments except flatbed. Silver black plastic mulch resulted in highest plant height, number of pods/plant, weight of pods/plant, pod and haulm yield and minimum weed intensity. Maximum water saving (41.2%), water use efficiency (6.77 kg/ha-mm) and benefit cost ratio (2.85) were obtained from use of silver black plastic mulch.