Effect of mulch on soil-hydrothermal regimes, growth and fruit yield of brinjal under arid conditions

Different synthetic and organic mulches in brinjal grown as ground storey crop with aonla was studied with respect to soil-hydrothermal regimes, growth, fruit yield and quality parameters. In general, organic mulches at 20 cm depth curtailed soil temperature by 1.1–5.6°C during warmer months, while an increase in temperature by 0.6–3.2°C was recorded during the winter months of December-January. A significant variation in soil moisture percentage (30 cm below the mulch) in September–November was recorded under black polyethylene and conserved 46–50% more moisture. Fruit yield/plant was 84 and 77% more under black and white polyethylene mulches. Among the organic mulches, fruit yield/plant as compared to control was 66 and 58% more under mulches of lasoda leaf and kheepclippings respectively. Fruit quality parameters were significantly influenced by mulch treatments. Fruit size and moisture content was maximum under black and white polyethylene mulches. Ascorbic acid, acidity, β-carotene and vitamin-A content was higher under lasoda leaf mulch.