Soil properties, root growth, water-use efficiency in brinjal (Solatium melongena) production and economics as affected by soil water conservation practices

摘要

A field experiment was conducted during 2004-09 to study the effect of soil water conservation practices on soil properties, root growth, water-use efficiency, production, and economics of brinjal (Solarium melongena L.) under irrigated condition in loamy sand soil of hot arid environment. Application of mulch treatments was found superior with respect to moderation of hydrothermal regimes of soil. The moisture retention capacity and hydraulic conductivity of soil were enhanced by 7.6 to 28% due to FYM mulch as compared to control. FYM mulch, generally, increased the soil chemical fertility status (available N, P and K, exchangeable Ca, and K) by 39 to 87%. The root length density, root mass density and root volume were higher by 370,392 and 198%, respectively under FYM mulch treatment as compared to the control. These treatments also increased water use efficiency and fruit yield by 24.16 to 34.79 kg/ha-mm and 15 to 19 tonnes/ha, respectively over control. Results indicated that application of soil water conservation practices in arid tropical soils improved soil properties, root growth, water use efficiency and crop yield of brinjal.