Effect of Mulch or without Mulch on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Different Intercrops in Kinnow Orchard under Semi-arid Irrigated Conditions

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to find best suited intercrop for bearing kinnow orchard at village Balsamand of district Hisar during the years 2020 and 2021. Four vegetable crops viz. watermelon, cantaloupe, chilli, tomato and control (sole kinnow) were selected as intercrops and transplanted on silver on black mulch. In mulched plots plant height/vine length, number of fruits plant-1, average fruit weight, fruit weight plant-1 and yield (q/ha) was recorded higher than without mulched plots. No significant difference in fruit length of watermelon, cantaloupe and tomato during first year and watermelon and tomato during succeeding year was recorded in mulched plots. Mulch influenced the fruit width of watermelon during both the years. The BCR ratio was recorded higher in without mulched plots in all the crops except watermelon recorded higher BCR in mulched plots during 2021. The highest benefit cost ratio in all the crops was recorded higher in without mulched plots of watermelon, cantaloupe, chilli and tomato crop (1:5.84, 1:5.17, 1:2.99 and 1:2.71) and (1:5.01, 1:5.06, 1:2.64 and 1:2.60) during 2020 and 2021, except in watermelon crop where highest benefit cost ratio (1:5.17) was observed in watermelon crop in mulched plots during 2021.