Evaluating the Performance of Colored Plastic Mulch and Drip Irrigation on Brinjal Growth and Yield under Open Field Conditions

Abstract

Sustaining vegetable farming in the face of dwindling water resources necessitates advanced water usage techniques and proactive soil environment management. Combining drip irrigation with mulching is important to solve this issue. To evaluate the combined effects of various plastic mulches and drip irrigation levels on the growth, yield, and soil environment of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), a field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm, KCAET, Tavanur. The experiment consisted of three irrigation levels (60, 80, and 100% ETc) combined with black, yellow/black, silver/black mulches, and a no-mulch control, laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Fertigation was applied in split doses as per the recommended package of practices of Kerala Agricultural University. The results revealed that both irrigation levels and mulching treatments significantly influenced brinjal growth and yield. Mulched plots exhibited improved soil moisture conservation and moderated soil temperature compared to exposed soil.  Drip irrigation at 80% ETc combined with silver/black mulch recorded the highest plant height, number of leaves, stem girth, and fruit yield, while the lowest yield occurred under the non-mulched condition. This treatment also gave 20% water savings compared to full irrigation. Among the mulches evaluated, silver/black mulch was superior, providing favourable microclimatic conditions that enhanced crop performance and productivity.