Impact of rain water harvesting and mulching on growth and yield of apple (Malus domestica) under rainfed condition

Field demonstration trials were conducted for two consecutive years (2011 and 2012) to study the influence of rain water harvesting and mulching on rainfed apple production. Results clearly indicated that maximum mean plant height (3.08 m), canopy spread (4.15mx 3.96 m), fruit yield (120.36 kg tree⁻¹) and productivity efficiency (0.46 kg⁻¹ cm² TCSA) were recorded in full moon water harvesting system + plastic mulch. Significantly highest mean TCSA (265.32 cm²) was recorded in Trench + plastic mulch. Maximum fruit weight (186.3 g) was recorded in half moon + plastic mulch in demonstration plot-I. Whereas, in demonstration plot II, the maximum mean plant height (3.70 m) was recorded in trench system + plastic mulch. However, highest mean TCSA (104.02 cm²), canopy spread (2.96m x 3.23 m), fruit yield (91.91 kg tree⁻¹) and productivity efficiency (0.89 kg⁻¹ cm² TCSA) were recorded in full moon water harvesting system+ plastic mulch. Highest fruit weight (171.7 g) was recorded in half moon + plastic mulch in apple.