Effect of drip and surface irrigation on yield, water- use-efficiency and economics of capsicum (c apsicum annum l.) Grown under mulch and non mulch conditions in eastern coastal India

Abstract

A field experiments was conducted on the loamy sand soil at Bhubaneswar in eastern coastal of India for two years (2007-08 and 2008-09) to evaluate the yield, water-use-efficiency and economic feasibility of capsicum grown under drip and surface irrigation with non-mulch and black Linear Low Density Poly Ethylene (LLDPE) plastic mulch. Actual evapotranspiration for capsicum crop was estimated using modified pan evaporation method. The net irrigation volume (V) was determined after deducting the effective rainfall. Effect of three irrigation levels viz. VD, 0.8 VD and 0.6 VD (VD = full irrigation volume with drip) in conjunction with LLDPE mulch and no mulch were studied on biometric and yield response of capsicum crop. The results of surface irrigation were compared with drip irrigation system under no mulch and in conjunction with LLDPE mulch. The study indicated better plant growth, more number of fruits per plant and enhancement in the yield under drip irrigation system with LLDPE mulch. The highest yield (28.7 t/ha) was recorded under 100% net irrigation volume with drip irrigation (VD) and plastic mulching as compared to other treatments. This system increased the yield and net seasonal income by 57 % and 54 % respectively as compared to conventional surface irrigation without mulch with a benefit cost ratio of 2.01. The benefit cost ratio was found to be the highest (2.44) for the treatment VD without mulch. Drip irrigation system could increase the yield by 28 % over surface irrigation even in the absence of mulch. Similarly, LLDPE mulch alone could increase the yield by 13 % even in the absence of drip irrigation system.