Effect of mulch on establishment and growth of apple sapling in cold arid conditions of Ladakh

摘要

Ladakh, the northern most part of India, is known for its remoteness, hard terrain, sandy soil, scarcity of water and other cold arid conditions. These adverse agro-climatic conditions hinder proper establishment and growth of newly planted apple saplings in Ladakh. To overcome the problem, a study was undertaken at Field Research laboratory, Leh (Ladakh) during 1998 and 1999. Five type of mulches i.e. black polyethylene (150 micron), white polyethylene (150 micron), hay (15 cm thick), dry weed (15cm thick) and newspaper were used to cover the plant basins of apple. Per cent establishment, incremental height, spread, girth, weed population and root zone temperature were recorded at weekly intervals. The findings of study indicated that black polyethylene mulch had given favourable result with regards to plant establishment and also boosted the growth of plants. This has also reduced the weed population in the plant basin and helped in better performance in growth parameters like girth and spreadof plants. On the basis of study, black polyethylene mulch is recommended for getting better establishment and growth of newly planted apple plants in cold arid conditions of Ladakh.