Abstract :
The present study was conducted during 2013-14 to study the economics of different mulching materials viz., black polythene, white polythene, paddy straw, saw dust, sarkanda, dry grass and control (unmulched) on aonla under rainfed conditions of Jammu. The present investigation was carried out at Rainfed Research Sub-Station for Sub-tropical fruits Raya, of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu during 2013-14. The mean annual rainfall is about 1000-1200 mm. Soil of the experimental field was sandy clay in texture, having pH: 6.50, organic carbon: 0.50 per cent, available N: 174.50 kg/ha, available P: 15.80 kg/ha and available K: 140.00 kg/ha. Twenty eight trees were selected for the study and laid out in randomized block experimental design with one tree per treatment replicated four times. Application of treatments was done during the spring season viz., 19th February, 2013.The study revealed that the total cost of cultivation was found to be higher (Rs. 2566.60) in black polythene mulch and white polythene mulches whereas it was minimum (Rs.2478.30) in control. Net returns were also recorded maximum (Rs. 2672.84/treatment) under black polythene mulch and minimum in control (Rs. 1559.30/treatment). However, benefit cost (B: C ratio) was also found to be maximum in black polythene mulch (1:2.04) and minimum in both white polythene mulch and control (1:1.69).
Keyword :
Aonla, economics, mulching, B: C ratio, net returns