Improvement in Growth, Productivity, and Fruit Quality of Rain-Fed
Sapota along with soil and moisture retention in Degraded Mahi Ravines
through Soil and Moisture Saving Techniques
Abstract
Ravines represent an extreme form of land degradation. Soil and moisture
saving techniques (SMSTs) have been identified as effective strategies
for improving the fertility of degraded lands. Three SMSTs viz.,
intercrop of cow pea and castor on bench terrace (SCCBT) ii) bench
terrace (SBT) iii) staggered trenches on natural slope (SSTS) and iv)
sapota on natural slope (Control) were imposed to observe their impact
on Sapota yield and quality, runoff, soil loss, and soil properties
under rain-fed conditions during 2018-20. SMSTs have significantly
affected plant growth, yield and quality and soil loss-runoff in
degraded ravines. The highest tree height was observed in SBT on par
with SCCBT and SSTS, and lowest in SS. Similar trend was observed in
case canopy spread, canopy volume and collar diameter. Among the
treatments, SCCBT recorded highest yield (38.3 kg tree
-1) followed by SBT, SST and lowest in SS (16.8 kg
tree -1). Pulp weight (55.55 g) and vitamin C (14.69
mg) was recorded higher in SCCBT and lowest in SS. SCCBT treatment
reduced runoff by 44% and it was highest in SS. Despite this SCCBT
exhibited significant higher soil loss. Terracing and trenches exhibited
remarkable effect on EC, SOC, available major nutrients (NPK) compared
to control. SCCBT and SBT treatments significantly had higher soil
moisture (%) compare to control. Hence, the cultivation of sapota after
implementing terracing and staggered trenches on natural slopes proves
to be a viable approach for effectively utilizing degraded ravines while
promoting productivity.