A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive rabi seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Niche Area Excellence Farm, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner to study the effect of irrigation levels, crop geometry and mulch on growth, yield and quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown under drip system. The experiment was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of four irrigation levels viz. 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 ETc in the main plot, three crop geometry viz. normal sowing at 50 cm row spacing, paired row sowing at 60 cm x 40 cm and paired row sowing at 30 cm x 70 cm in the sub-plot and two mulch viz. no mulch and plastic mulch in the sub-sub plot. The soil was poor in organic carbon (0.10%), available nitrogen content (85.31 kg ha-1), medium in phosphorus (19.4 kg ha-1) and potassium (315.2 kg ha-1) content and saline in reaction pH (8.34). Fennel variety RF-101 with seed rate of 10 kg ha-1 was grown following the recommended package of practices for zone- IC (hyper arid partially irrigated western plain zone).
The results revealed that growth, yield and quality of fennel were significantly influenced by different irrigation levels, crop geometry as well as mulch. Pooled mean results showed that irrigation at 1.0 ETc gave the highest plant height, dry matter accumulation at 40, 70, 100 DAS and harvest, branches plant-1, chlorophyll content of leaves at 75 DAS. However, irrigation at 0.8 ETc increased root parameters viz., fresh weight of root per plant, root dry weight per plant, root volume and root: shoot ratio recorded at 100 DAS. Irrigation level of 1.0 ETc recorded highest number of umbels plant-1, number of umbellates umbel-1, number of seeds umbel-1, test weight, seed yield (1714 kg ha-1), stover yield (3168 kg ha-1), biological yield (4851 kg ha-1), nitrogen content and uptake, oil yield, protein content, relative water content, net return (104988 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.58), but all these parameters were at par with 0.8 ETc. However, water use efficiency (5.48 kg ha-1 mm-1) was highest at 0.6 ETc irrigation level. Results further revealed that irrigation level 0.8 ETc recorded significantly higher seed yield by 78.01 and 10.35%, stover yield by 29.09 and 6.11% and biological yield by 42.89 and 7.56% over 0.4 and 0.6 ETc irrigation levels, respectively.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Review of Literature
3. Materials and Methods
4. Experimental Results
5. Discussion
6. Summary and Conclusion
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
This thesis examines the agronomic impact of varying irrigation levels, crop geometry configurations, and moisture-conserving mulch applications on the vegetative growth, seed yield, and quality parameters of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under drip irrigation systems in arid environments.
- Optimal irrigation scheduling based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc) levels.
- Evaluation of different crop geometry arrangements (normal vs. paired row planting).
- Assessment of the effectiveness of synthetic (plastic) mulch in water conservation.
- Impact of combined management practices on nutrient uptake and economic profitability.
- Water use efficiency analysis under varying experimental treatments.
Auszug aus dem Buch
1. INTRODUCTION
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is an important seed spice in India mainly grown in rabi season. It is locally called “saunf” belongs to family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. Fennel is a native of Southern Europe and Asia minor. It is a biennial herb but it is grown as a pleasantly aromatic annual herb with feathery leaves and golden yellow flowers and each part of it (leaves, stalks, bulbs and seeds) is edible. The aroma is due to the presence of volatile oils viz. Anethole and Fenchone. The seeds contain about 9.5% protein, 10.0% fat, 42.3% carbohydrates, 18.5% fibre and 13.4% minerals and about 0.7% to 6.0% volatile oil depending on genotypes or botanical types.
Essential oil of fennel is used as flavoring agent in food products such as beverages, bread, pickles, pastries, cakes and cheese and as a constituent of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products (Piccaglia et al., 2001). The fish string like leaves are valued as source of flavour and garnishing and also possess diuretic properties. Fennel seeds are used as spice in Indian culinary for flavouring soups, sauces, pickles and for seasoning breads and cakes. Fennel seeds have digestive, appetizing, stimulant and carminative properties also used in cough, flatulence, colic, thirst, dysentery and diarrhoea.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the background and botanical significance of fennel, outlines the production status in India, and defines the research objectives.
Review of Literature: Surveys existing research regarding irrigation, mulching practices, and planting geometries for fennel and similar seed spice crops.
Materials and Methods: Details the experimental site, climatic conditions, treatments (irrigation, geometry, mulch), and the data collection process.
Experimental Results: Presents the findings regarding growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality metrics across the tested treatment combinations.
Discussion: Interprets the experimental data and links findings to physiological and scientific theories of crop water management and agronomic science.
Summary and Conclusion: Synthesizes the core findings and offers final assessments on the optimal production practices for fennel cultivation.
Keywords
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, Drip Irrigation, Crop Geometry, Mulching, Plastic Mulch, Water Use Efficiency, Yield Attributes, Nutrient Uptake, Arid Agriculture, Agronomy, Irrigation Scheduling, Seed Quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this agricultural study?
The research focuses on the "Effect of irrigation levels, crop geometry and mulch on growth, yield and quality of fennel" under a drip irrigation system.
Which climatic region was chosen for the research?
The study was conducted at the Niche Area of Excellence Farm, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, located in an arid, hyper-arid partially irrigated zone.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The study aims to optimize fennel production practices by evaluating specific irrigation volumes, planting arrangements, and mulching to maximize yield and economic viability while conserving limited water resources.
Which scientific growth model was used for irrigation scheduling?
Irrigation scheduling was primarily determined using the climatological approach (ETc - crop evapotranspiration).
What does the main part of the thesis cover?
The main part encompasses an extensive review of literature, detailed methodologies for data collection, experimental results, and a deep discussion of how irrigation, space geometry, and mulch influence crop phenology and yield.
Which specific keywords describe the research?
The work is characterized by terms such as Fennel, Drip Irrigation, Crop Geometry, Mulching, Water Use Efficiency, and Agronomy.
Does the research include economic analysis?
Yes, the thesis includes a detailed comparative economics analysis of various treatment combinations, focusing on net returns and Benefit:Cost (B:C) ratios.
What is the recommended crop geometry for best results?
The research concludes that paired row sowing at 40 cm x 60 cm is the most promising crop geometry for maximizing both yields and economic returns.
Are the results of this study directly applicable to farmers?
The work concludes with a specific recommendation: applying irrigation at 0.8 ETc in a paired row sowing of 40 cm x 60 cm with plastic mulch is recommended for higher fennel production in arid regions.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Rupesh Kumar Meena (Author), 2018, Effect of Irrigation Levels, Crop Geometry and Mulch on Growth, Yield and Quality of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Grown under Drip System, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1399456
