Author/Authors :
Mahmood, Nasir University of the Punjab - Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Pakistan , Anees, Moazzam University of the Punjab - Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Pakistan , Ahmad, Shahbaz University of the Punjab - Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Pakistan , Zakaullah University of the Punjab - Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Pakistan
Abstract :
The study was conducted to compare the productivity of cucumber and bitter-gourd under mulch and non-mulch conditions in tunnel farming. Two treatments were made i.e. furrow irrigation along with bed mulching (T1) and furrow irrigation without bed mulching (T2). Beds of 60 cm and furrows of 30 cm were made in six tunnels measuring 4 × 68 m. Nobel variety of cucumber was grown in three tunnels and floragin variety of bitter gourd was grown in the remaining three tunnels. The row to row and plant to plant distance was maintained at 50 cm and 25 cm, respectively for both the crops. Equal dose of recommended fertilizer and similar cultural practices were given to all the plants. Results showed that the average cucumber and bitter-gourd production in mulch conditions was significantly higher than non mulch conditions. There was 39.33% and 23.7% increased in production of cucumber and bitter-gourd, respectively due to bed mulching practice. It was concluded that the bed mulching practice was very useful to control the weeds and conserve soil moisture contents that in turn enhanced the plant growth.
