Drip irrigation and coconut husk mulching: Effects on nutmeg productivity and water use efficiency
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of irrigation and mulching strategies on nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) productionto address critical research gaps in water management for this high-value perennial spice crop. Conducted at AgronoimicResearch Station (ARS) Chalakudy over three consecutive years (2016-2019), the research evaluated the effects of differentirrigation levels (60%, 80%, 100%, and 125% pan evaporation) and mulching materials (coconut husk and paddy strawmulch) on nutmeg cultivation. The findings reveal that irrigation at 100% pan evaporation combined with coconut huskmulching significantly enhanced crop performance. Key outcomes include: highest nut and mace yields, improved waterproductivity, and the most favourable benefit-cost ratio. Soil moisture content was notably higher in plots with coconuthusk mulch, which also contributed to lower soil temperatures. Relative leaf water content and fruit drop metrics furtherconfirmed the importance of optimal irrigation and mulching. Notably, irrigation at 60% pan evaporation led to substantialyield reduction and potential plant stress, while treatments at 100% and 125% pan evaporation demonstrated the best cropperformance. The study conclusively demonstrates that coconut husk mulching and preciseirrigation management cansubstantially improve nutmeg productivity, water use efficiency, and overall crop resilience.
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