Technical Feasibility and Economic Viability of Drip Irrigation and Polyethylene Mulch in Mango (Mangifera Indica)

Field experiment was conducted on clay loam soil of Arjunpur, Khurda, Orissa to evaluate the effect of drip irrigation with black Low Density Poly Ethylene(LDPE) mulch at different levels of irrigation for mango. Out of eight treatments, six treatments were of drip irrigation with three levels of irrigation (V, 0.8V, 0.6V) and two treatments were of basin irrigation. The study indicated better growth and yield and prevention of fruit drop during summer months. The highest fruit yield 15.8t/ha was recorded under 80% irrigation through drip plus plastic mulch. However, comparative economics in the 5^th year showed that 60% irrigation through drip and LDPE mulch gave maximum profit per mm of water used and highest water use efficiency. But maximum benefit cost ratio was observed in case of 80% irrigation through drip and plastic mulch.