Daleshwar Rajak and Dinmani
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-2019 at Zonal Research Station, Darisai, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand to study the effect of fertigation levels and plastic mulching on growth and yield of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). The experiments were laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments viz; T1- 100% RDF through fertigation with silver black polyethylene mulch, T2- 100% RDF through fertigation without mulch, T3 - 75% RDF through fertigation with silver black polyethylene mulch, T4 - 75% RDF through fertigation without mulch, T5-50% RDF through Fertigation with silver black polyethylene mulch, T6 - 50% RDF through fertigation without mulch, T7 - 100% RDF through farmerâs practice (control) and were replicated thrice. The results indicated that the Fertigation through 75% recommended dose of fertilizers along with silver black polyethylene mulch recorded higher brinjal yield (151.33 q ha-1) compared to soil application of fertilizer (71.05 q ha-1). Plant height, number of branches per plant and yield increased significantly through fertigation with polyethylene mulch compared to soil application of fertilizer. Fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) was highest (129.28 kg/kg of nutrient) in 50% RDF through fertigation with mulchand lowest (35.52 kg/kg of nutrient) under 100% RDF through farmerâs practice. Among different fertigation levels, fertigation through 75% recommended dose of fertilizers with silver black polyethylene mulch resulted in maximum net income (Rs189758.21ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.27) while minimum net income (Rs 74409.07 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.38) was recorded in 100% RDF through farmerâs practice (control).