Title: EFFECT OF PLASTIC MULCH ON COTTON YIELD AND ITS ECONOMICS

Authors: P. S. Jayswal, N. S. Joshi and K. N. Sondarva

Publisher: Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: plastic mulch, cotton, KVK, OFT, drip irrigation

Special Issue: 2022

Published on: November 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2022.si.0033

Abstract: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Junagadh Agricultural University, Amreli, Gujarat has conducted an On Farm Trial under Agricultural Engineering discipline with two treatments, i) Farmers Practice - No use of mulching materials and ii) University recommended practice - Black Plastic Mulch (25 micron) under drip irrigation system. Main aim of this OFT was to find out effect of plastic mulch on yield of cotton, bolls per plant and economics of cotton cultivation. This OFT was conducted for three years: 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. Data of this three year were taken and analyzed. Result of three year data shown that, there was 28.93 % increase in yield under plastic mulch. Under plastic mulch 18.37 % more bolls per plant were found. Avg. gross return and avg. net profit was 29.01% and 33.15% higher under plastic mulch. B:C ratio was found 3.52 for plastic mulch in cotton crop. These results showed that plastic mulch in cotton crop is beneficial for farmers.