Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Weed Abundance, Growth and Yield of Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) Under Drip Irrigation

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to assess the weed control efficiency of different mulching materials for okra cultivation under drip irrigation. Two factors, two varieties of okra (TV„ and Haritha) and five different mulching methods (Gliricidia leaves, chopped rice straw, mulch film, black polythene and no mulched as control) were tested using a two factor factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Plant parameters such as plant height, fruit length, fruit circumference, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and total yield; weed parameters such as number of weeds, types of weeds, fresh and dry weight of weeds; soil moisture content and soil temperature were recorded. The analyses revealed that both factors, varieties and mulching have significant effect on growth and yield parameters but there is no significant interaction between variety and mulch treatments (P>0.05). Mulching has shown significant effectiveness in weed control, ameliorating the soil temperature and soil moisture conservation. All mulch treatments except black polythene improved crop growth and yield (13.62 tons/ha). Sedges, especially, Cyperus rotandus is the dominant weed emerged in highest than broad leaves and grasses. The significantly higher plants height (129.20 cm) and yield (14.03 tons/ha) was recorded for variety Haritha than variety TVa. This study revealed that organic mulches was economically feasible compared to mulching using plastic or cultivating without mulch. Cultivation of Haritha variety under Gliricidia leaves mulch (14.88 tons/ha) recorded the best results compared to other treatment combinations.