Abstract:
The experiment entitled “Effect of sowing time and mulching on the performance of pigeon pea (
Cajanus cajan L)” was conducted during Kharif season 2018 at Experimental Farm of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Punjab). The trial was laid out in split plot design with 3 different date of sowing (May 10
th, May 25
th, June 10
th) in main plots and three mulching levels (control, 5 and 10 t/ha) in sub plots. The results showed that the crop sown on May 10
gave significantly higher plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation, number of pods/plant, seed yield, stover yield, biological yield and harvest index over other sowing dates. The results showed that crop sown on May 10 gave significantly higher yield (28%, 62.3%) over May 25, June 10. The application of straw mulching @ 10 t/ha was found to be beneficial and can be practiced for yield of pigeon pea crop. Mulching @ 5 t/ha and 10t/ha recorded 8.27 and 18.09%, respectively higher seed yield than control (no mulch). The crop sown on May 10 under 10 t/ha of mulch application gave significantly higher plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/plant, grain yield, stover yield, biological yield and harvest index than the other treatment combinations.