Effect of organic mulches on moisture conservation for rainfed turmeric production in mango orchard

A field experiment was conducted during 2003–04 and 2004–05 to assess the effect of different types of organic mulches on growth, yield and soil moisture in turmeric grown as inter-crop in mango orchard under rain fed conditions in eastern India. Five treatments viz, Paddy straw mulch (l kg/m²), Paddy straw mulch (0.5 kg/m²), Local grass mulch (1 kg/m²), Local grass mulch (0.5kg/m²) andcontrol (Nomulching) were replicated four times in a randomized block design. Plots of 50m²(5m × 10m size) were prepared in the inter space of mango plantation for space utilization. The results indicated that maximum turmeric plant height (104.65 cm), stemgirth(8.95 cm), leafsize(35.92 cm × 15.88 cm), dry biomass(20.90 q/ha), dry root weight(5.08 g/plant), number of finger (l0.25), finger weight (156.45 g), mother rhizome weight (60.45 g) and fresh yield (78.65 q/ha)were recorded with the application of paddy straw mulch @ 1 kg/m². The soil moisture content was higher during rhizome formation, development and maturation stage in plots where paddystraw was applied @1kg/m² (1t/ha). An average maximum fruit yield of mango (5.5 t/ha) was recorded in control plots (without intercrop) which was at par with other treatments.