EFFECT OF LEUCAENA MULCH ON SOIL-WATER USE AND WHEAT YIELD

A study was undertaken to assess the effects of levels and timings of incorporation of leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (L.) de Wit] leaf mul ch on soil-water use and performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) g rown on Dhoolkot silty clay loam soil in submontane northwest India. A ir-dried leucaena leaves were applied as a surface mulch, at the rate of 0 (No mulch), 2, 4 and 6 t ha(-1) as main plot treatments and its t imings of soil incorporation namely: immediately, 15, 30 and 45 days a fter harvest of maize crop as subplot treatments. Each treatment was r eplicated four times in a strip-plot design. The results revealed that more moisture was available in mulched surface soil (0-15 cm) at the time of wheat sowing. Application of mulch increased moisture extracti on, water use efficiency (WUE), grain and straw yield of wheat crop. I ncorporation of leaf mulch at 30 days after harvesting of maize crop c onserved more moisture for wheat sowing. This study indicated that opt imal mulch application rate was 2 t ha(-1) and time of incorporation w as at 30 days after maize harvest. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.