Effect of sowing time and mulching on the performance of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

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 10th, May 25th, June 10th) 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.