Evaluation of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under Rice Fallow as Influenced by Tillage, Stubble Mulch and Nutrient Management

Aims: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage, stubble mulch and nutrient on growth, yield and quality of strawberry.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a split plot design, with three main plots, four sub plots and three replications each.

Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted in ICR farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during winter season of 2021-22.

Methodology: The experiment consists of 3 main plots each including (bed planting with rice stubble mulch, minimum tillage with rice stubble mulch and conventional tillage practice) and 4 sub plots having (10-7-7 g/m2 N-P-K with 5 kg/m2 FYM, 7.5-5-5 g/m2 N-P-K + vermicompost 200g/m2 in equal split at 10 and 30 DAP, 5-3.5-3.5 g/m2 N-P-K + vermicompost 200g/m2 in equal split at 10 and 30 DAP and 200-20-2 (FYM-lime-wood ash) g/plant in equal split at 10 and 30 DAP).

Results: The results revealed that bed planting with rice stubble mulch was superior over other tillage and mulch treatments in respect of vegetative growth, quality parameters and yield. Application of 200-20-2 (FYM-lime-wood ash) g/plant significantly resulted in maximum vegetative growth and yield. However, best quality parameters like highest TSS, sugars and low acidity were recorded in treatment having 5-3.5-3.5 g/m2 N-P-K + vermicompost 200g/m2.

Conclusion: From this experiment we concluded that bed planting with rice stubble mulch along with application of 200-20-2 (FYM-lime-wood ash) g/plant leads to maximum vegetative growth and yield in strawberry. And rice fallow and stubble mulch technique can be utilized for successful production of annual strawberry for higher return with minimum investment.