Effect of application of Leucaena mulch on soil moisture conservation and productivity of rained wheat

摘要

A study was carried out for three years during 1990-91 to 1992-93 to assess the effect of varying doses and timings of incorporation of leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (L.) de Wit] leaf mulch on moisture conservation for the sowing of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend) in maize-wheat cropping system. Air-dried leucaena leaves were applied as surface mulch at varying levels viz. O, 2, 4 and 6 t ha~(-1) as main plot treatments and timings of incorporation viz., 0, 15, 30 and 45 days after harvest ofmaize as sub-plot treatments. Results revealed that application of mulch reduced soil moisture losses by checking evaporation between the period of maize harvesting and wheat sowing. More soil moisture was available in the surface layer (0-15 cm) at thetime of wheat sowing, which was helpful in increasing the number of wheat plants emerged per metre row length. Application of mulch increased wheat grain and straw yield significantly. The study indicated that application of leucaena leaf mulch @ 2 t ha~(-1) and its incorporation at 30 days after maize harvest was beneficial for conserving soil moisture for improving germination and productivity of rainfed wheat.