Mulberry
leaf production is often limited by the amount of available soil moisture and
it can be substantially increased by supplemental irrigation. Since
deficiencies of pre capitation often occur in the major mulberry growing
tracts of the world, it is necessary to provide supplemental irrigation to
maintain optimum soil moisture conditions
Irrigation
in relation to soil: For efficient use of irrigation
water, just enough water is to be applied to bring the moisture content of the
soil in the root zone to its field capacity.
Appearance
of mulberry crop: Mulberry plants with abundant supply
of water are characterized by luxuriant growth, the foliage well developed and
the leaves succulent and shiny.
Frequency
of irrigation: Frequency of irrigation for the
mulberry crop depends upon several factors such as growth phase of plant, soil
type and other agro‑climatic conditions.
Quantity
of water irrigated: The important considerations for the
quantity of water to be irrigated is the root distribution pattern of plant,
the climatic conditions and soil type. In order to provide effective
irrigation, the following methods of soil moisture measurements are followed.
1. Gravimetric method of determination of
soil moisture;
2. Using electronic properties of porous
blocks;
3. Use of Tensiometers;
4. Neutron method of measuring soil moisture.
Interval
between irrigation: When the mulberry plant is in the
active growth phase, i.e. the sprouting and foliar developmental stages, the
crop has to be irrigated frequently and plant growth takes place all the year
round.
Quality
of water: In addition to the quantity of water, quality of irrigation
is also equally important. Normally irrigation water for mulberry should
contain less than 1 000 PPM of total soluble salts.
Methods
of irrigation: Of the different methods of irrigation
adopted, the furrow, flat bed and basin methods are normally practiced.
Furrow
method: In the furrow method the field is laid out into a series of
ridges and furrows.
Flat
bed method: The field is divided into rectangular
beds with bunds all around and channels on the sides.
Basin
method: The basin method is suitable mostly for tree plantations.
In this system irrigation water from the supply source is lead into the basin
around the trunk.
Overhead
or sprinkler method: This method of irrigation can be
practiced in undulating lands where low and high bushes are cultivated. The
advantages are (i) most efficient in economizing water use; (ii) there is
uniform distribution of water on the foliage; (iii) the percolation loss in
porous and sandy soils is avoided; (iv) this is most suited for emergency
irrigation; and (v) it can be followed with advantage on sloppy and shallow
lands.
Influence
on the leaf yield: Yield of mulberry leaves is strongly
influenced by both quantity and quality of irrigation water. The increase in
leaf yield due to irrigation when compared with rain fed cultivation. Added to
this, the leaf production is increased three to four times when balanced
fertilizers are applied at regular intervals in addition to irrigation.
Influence
on quality of leaf:
The nutritive value of the leaves is determined by chemical estimation
and feed values and as judged by the rearing performances, leaves obtained from
irrigated mulberry possess more moisture and protein and are more nutritious
than those from rain fed crops.
Provision for drainage:
Provision of adequate drainage improves soil structure and its productivity.
Under waterlogged conditions, the mulberry plants wilt under severe oxygen
tension resulting in poor root respiration.
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