Polythene mulching and fertigation in peanut (Arachis hypogaea): Effect on crop productivity, quality, water productivity and economic profitability

Abstract

Enhancing crop productivity, profitability and saving of precious natural resources (soil and water), is a matter of prime concern. With this backdrop, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2011-2013 at Junagadh (Gujarat) with mulching and fertigation treatments in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in split plot design with three replications. Polythene mulching significantly enhanced pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields over no mulch. Moreover, it also ensured higher partial factor productivity, water productivity, net return, soil moisture content (at flowering, pegging, and pod formation stages of peanut), and N, P and K uptake over no mulch. Amongst the fertigation treatments, F2 was found better in improving pod, haulm, kernel and oil yields, and P uptake over F1. However, maximum partial factor productivity was recorded under F1 while water productivity, net return, soil moisture content, and N and K uptake under F4. Alkaline phosphatase activity was better sustained in F3 over F1 and F2. Soil N, P and K status improved under mulching and fertigation treatments. Our study revealed the possibility of adoption of mulch and fertigation at farmers’ fields implying judicious use of water and nutrients assuring a good yield and net profit.