Effect of mulches on soil moisture, temperature, weed suppression and estimation of cost benefit ratio of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) 'Kishmish Rozavis White' in northern dry zone of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted during September 2015 to February 2016 to assess the effect of different types of mulching materials on soil moisture, soil temperature, weed suppression and estimation of cost benefit ratio of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) 'Kishmish Rozavis White' at Department of Fruit Science, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot. Among different types of mulches used both organic and inorganic mulches suppressed weeds to maximum extent (0.00 m^‑2) and only in control treated vines weeds were seen at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days after treatment imposition. Higher percentage of soil moisture at 0-15 cm (18.76%) and 15-30 cm depth (19.54%) was recorded in vines mulched with black polythene at different stages. Different mulching material showed different effect on soil temperature. Higher mean soil temperature was recorded in vines mulched with black polythene (24.96°C) and highest cost benefit ratio was obtained in vines mulched with sugarcane trash (3.48).