Effect of different mulches on moisture conservation and productivity of rainfed turmeric

Abstract

A long term study was conducted since 1995 to compare the relative efficacy of different types of mulch materials viz. paddy straw,grasses and Gliricidia applied at 6,8 and 10 t ha-1 on the performance of rainfed turmeric.Results showed that application of mulches at 10 t ha-1 conserved more moisture and increased yield of turmeric by 12%.Application of paddy straw mulch resulted in 18% increase in yield over glyricidia mulch.Quality of mulch was more effective in conserving soil moisture and increasing growth and yield of turmeric.