Influence of different moisture conservation materials on soil moisture content, nutrient uptake and economics of FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

A field experiment was carried out to know the effect of different moisture conservation materials on the performance of FCV Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) on sandy loam soil at AINP (T), Navile, Shivamogga, Karnataka during kharif season of 2019. The investigation included eight treatments consisting of soil application of hydrogel around the plant @ 3 g per plant hole before planting, covering the ridges with gunny bag (whole bag with two layers), gunny bag (Single layer), transparent polyethylene film, HDPE weed mat, mulch sheet and dry areca husk as a crop residue @10 t ha-1 on ridge. Treatments were examined in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Results revealed that application of areca husk as a crop residue @10 t ha-1 on ridge recorded higher soil moisture content at three days after cessation of rainfall (13.6 %) throughout crop period, higher green leaf yield (13434 kg ha-1), cured leaf yield (2039 kg ha-1) top grade equivalent yield (1002 kg ha-1), nutrient uptake N, P2O5 and K2O (38.76, 5.69 and 97.29 kg ha-1, respectively). Further, higher net return (Rs.199898 ha-1) and B:C (2.20) were recorded by areca husk as a crop residue mulch and was on par with the application of mulching sheet.