Effect of Irrigation at Different IW/CPE Ratios and Feasibility of Different Mulch Intensities on Growth and Yield of Sapota cv. Kalipatti

A study was conducted from 1999–2000 to 2008–2009 to study the effect of irrigation at different IW/CPE ratios and different mulch intensities on growth and yield of sapota cv. Kalipatti. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with fifteen treatment combinations which included three irrigation levels (30, 50 and 70% irrigation of IW/CPE) along with five mulch intensities (no mulch, 10% plastic, 20% plastic, 10% grass and 20% grass). The results indicated that sapota trees should be irrigated at 0.3 IW/CPE and 20% of the basin around tree trunk mulched with grass in the areas facing water scarcity during the rabi and summer seasons to save 54% of the irrigation water with ensued higher yields.