Effect of organic mulches on yield, quality and WUE of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

A field experiment was carried out during 2013–2014 in hasta bahar at Solapur to quantify yield, quality and water use efficiency of pomegranate cv. Bhagawa at 4.5 x 4.0 m spacing. Three different types of organic mulches (i.e. wheat, sugarcane baggas and safflower) at different irrigation levels (i.e. 0.20 to 0.60* ET₀) were evaluated for their effects.

The physical, chemical and hydrological properties of the soil profile of experimental site have been evaluated before and after experimentations. The amount of water applied was minimum 0.20*ET₀ and maximum 0.60*ET₀ through drip irrigation for wheat, sugarcane baggas, safflower and control under split plot design. Maximum plant height, flowers, branches, stem diameter and fruits was recorded in sugarcane baggas mulch. Crop coefficient and wetted area were estimated ranged from 0.18–0.70 and 30–40%. The actual water applied in different organic mulches treatments 40–80% is less than the actual water demand due to the reduced wet evaporative surface. The actual Water Requirement (WR) varied from 7–40 Ld⁻¹ t⁻¹ during different phenological stages and 0.40*ET₀ irrigation level is the best for organic mulch (i.e. Sugarcane baggas) for 3^rd old age of pomegranate tree.