Soil-cum-nutrient management package for achieving high yield and quality of mulberry (Morus indica L.) leaf in acid soil of North Eastern India

Abstract

Mulberry (Morus indica L.) is a foliage crop cultivated extensively in the North-Eastern India under rainfed condition for rearing silkworm (Bombyx mori L.). An attempt was made through field experimentation to develop a soil-cum-nutrient management package for mulberry cultivation in acid soil under rainfed condition. Effects of different treatment combinations comprising of NPK, farmyard manure (FYM), lime and boron (B) on important soil properties, yield and quality of mulberry (Morus indica L. var. S₁₆₃₅) leaf were assessed to identify the best soil-cum-nutrient management package. Results indicated that fertilizer dosage based on ready-reckoner soil test value was not effective for the production of high-quality leaf with specific targeted yield of the crop (4.5 t/ha/crop-cutting). Integrated soil application of NPK @ 150:50:50 kg ha⁻¹, FYM@10 t ha⁻¹, lime as per requirement (3t ha⁻¹ in present case) and foliar application of boric acid solution (0.1% w/v) was the most effective soil-cum-nutrient management package for the production of higher leaf yield which is comparable with the targeted yield. As far as leaf quality is concerned, increased moisture content, total N, P, K and B content of leaf are also attributed to the package. The package resulted in increased pH, organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity, available N, P, K and decreased exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total potential acidity of soil. The study indicates the usefulness of soil-cum-nutrient management package for improved soil health of acid soils as well as achieving high yield and quality of mulberry leaf in such acid soils of the North-Eastern India and elsewhere.

Keywords:

• mulberry
• plant nutrition
• rainfed cultivation
• ready reckoner
• sericulture

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Central Silk Board (CSB), Government of India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, India for funding and providing laboratory facilities, respectively to carry out the study.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

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Funding

This work was sponsored by the Central Silk Board (CSB), Government of India.