Effect of Irrigation and Soil cover on Growth of Lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) cv. Baramasi

Lemon cultivation is becoming exceedingly popular because of its wider utilization than any other citrus fruit. However, due to feeble cultural and environmental conditions the growers are facing serious setback. Lemons are tremendously sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations. Orchard temperature and microclimate of the trees play a very crucial role in tree growth and productivity. Therefore, it is advisable to irrigate frequently and lightly throughout the growing season and conserve soil moisture using appropriate soil cover. Keeping in mind all these aspects, the study entitled “Effect of irrigation and soil cover on growth of lemon (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.) cv. Baramasi” was carried out during 2009. The plant material was selected from Punjab Government Progeny Orchard and Nursery, Attari, Amritsar. In the trial, eight year old lemon trees uniform in size and vigour free from attack of diseases and pests were selected on which various irrigation and mulching practices were applied. The experiment was planned in randomized block design having six treatments replicated four times. The treatment viz. irrigation at 20% ASMD combined with black polythene mulch proved to be most effective in improving plant growth.

Water is the driving force behind vegetative growth of citrus.

Mulching plays an important role in plant establishment and tree growth.

Irrigation at 20% available soil moisture depletion in consortium with black polthene mulch resulted in vigorous tree growth.