Influence of irrigation and mulching on plant growth and leaf nutrient status of aonla (Emblica officinalis G.) under sodic soil.

Abstract: In a field experiment conducted in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, during 1995-96, the effect of irrigation and mulching on growth of aonla (Emblica officinalis [Phyllanthus emblica]) cv. NA 7 was investigated. The treatment comprised 3 irrigations (daily drip irrigation, alternate day drip irrigation and conventional surface irrigation by basin method) and different types of mulching materials, i.e. 200 guage black polyethylene, 8-cm thick farmyard manure (FYM), paddy straw, grass, and unmulched control. Plant height, canopy spread and stock girth were significantly better under alternate day drip irrigation over conventional method. Among mulching treatments, black polyethylene was the most effective mulch material however, among organic mulches paddy straw was the best for the same parameters. Leaf nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) was maximum in alternate day drip irrigation and minimum under conventional method. Among mulching treatments, the maximum P, K, Ca and Mg values were found in FYM whereas,