Enhancing Coastal Saline Soil Productivity: Innovative Irrigation and Mulch Strategies for Improved Chili Cultivation

Abstract

Coastal saline soils in the West Bengal region present intricate challenges to agricultural productivity, primarily stemming from the limited availability of high-quality irrigation water. To address this issue, potential solutions encompass the utilization of saline water through appropriate irrigation techniques and schedules. This study investigates the synergistic effects of combining saline and fresh water via tillage practices and the selection of salt-resistant crop varieties. The experiment comprises eight treatment combinations, each replicated four times, involving the application of both saline and fresh water using 10-liter capacity pitchers placed strategically between four plants. Additionally, two distinct tillage methods, conventional and mulch, are employed. The chosen crop variety for experimentation is Bullet lanka-3 variety. The results underscore substantial enhancements in both soil physicochemical properties when implementing diverse pitcher irrigation methods alongside varying tillage strategies. These improvements contribute to ameliorated soil conditions and heightened nutrient accessibility, consequently fostering crop growth and yield. Noteworthy gains are observed in chili production, with yields ranging from 4.04 t ha^-1 to 8.81t ha^-1 across the initial seven harvesting intervals, in comparison to the control plot. This research sheds light on innovative techniques to mitigate the challenges posed by coastal saline soils, paving the way for improved agricultural sustainability and productivity.