Influence of different levels of Drip Irrigation and Mulching on Quality Parameters and Major Nutrient contents in Mulberry

Abstract:

The experiment was conducted to find out the impact of levels of drip irrigation and mulching on quality parameters and major nutrient contents of mulberry. Among levels of irrigation 0.8 CPE recorded higher values for quality parameters viz., relative moisture content (81.21, 72.73 and 66.80 % @ 30,45 and 60 DAP respectively), chlorophyll content (SPAD values – 8.48, 8.84 and 7.44 @ 30, 45 and 60 DAP respectively), protein content (14.39 %) and total carbohydrate content (16.59 %) compared to lower levels of irrigation 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 CPE. Also, mulberry plants mulched with black plastic polythene cover recorded higher values for relative moisture content (79.68, 71.92, and 65.60 % @ 30, 45, and 60 DAP, respectively), chlorophyll content (SPAD values – 8.19, 8.51 and 6.80), protein content (12.63 %) and total carbohydrate content (15.86 %) compared to plants without mulching. Major nutrient contents found highest in higher levels of irrigation 0.8 CPE (N-2.32%, P-0.57%, and K-1.51%) and plants mulched with black plastic polythene cover (N-2.02%, P-0.48%, and K-1.51%) compared to lower levels of irrigation 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 CPE and plants without mulching respectively. The study revealed that the adoption of drip irrigation in mulberry at 0.8 CPE ain mulching is suitable to enhance the quality parameters and major nutrient contents of mulberry leaf.