Effect of Different Mulches on Soil Moisture, Growth and Yield of Eureka Lemon (Citrus limon Burm) Under Rainfed Condition

An experiment was conducted during 2009–2011 to assess the effect of different mulches (bajra straw, maize straw, grasses, brankad (Adhotada vassica), farmyard manure and black polyethylene) on soil moisture, weed reduction, growth and yield in Eureka lemon (Citrus limon Burm). Different organic and inorganic mulches significantly increased the soil moisture status in various soil depths. Black polyethylene mulch recorded the maximum moisture content followed by farmyard manure and brankad. The black polyethylene and farmyard manure were found to be more effective in producing maximum growth extension than rest of the treatments although the differences were non-significant among the treatments. Plots treated with black polyethylene mulch recorded highest yield (1848 kg/ha) followed by farmyard manure (1780 kg/ha) and brankad (1744 kg/ha). Poor aeration, non-decomposable nature and high cost are the constraints of using black polyethylene as mulch material. Among the organic mulches, the cost of brankad was less as the material is easily available in local areas followed by bajra straw, maize straw and grasses.