Increased water use efficiency for higher yield and quality in guava under rainfed conditions through in situ soil moisture conservation

Field experiments were conducted to standardize in situ soil and moisture conservation measures in rainfed guava production. Mulching with polythene enhanced soil moisture (upto 111%) and the impact was much visible for longer periods (160 days) after cessation of rainfall. Further, higher soil organic carbon built up (from 0.68 to 0.92 % O.C. over a period of three years) was observed with polythene mulching. It was also reflected in the nitrogen content of the soil which increased from 109.4 to 354.8 kg/ha during three years period. Polythene mulching with raised soil around the root zone showed 39.8 % higher fruit yield in guava over control on three years pooled mean basis. The treatment recorded 12.30 t/ha at sixth year of guava planting. Mulching with polythene although recorded slightly lower gross returns (Rs.6,19,870/ha), recorded higher benefit cost ratio (1:5.25) and was followed by mulching with enriched coir pith (1: 4.83).