PROPOSAL DETAILS

Research Title
Effect of different mulch materials on potato production and soil properties in
East Rukum
Researcher Swastika Kafle

Academic Level 7th semester, [Link]. Agriculture

Current Address College of Natural Resources Management, Khajura-3,

Banke, Nepal

E-mail Swstikakafle20@[Link]

Mobile no: 9865250013

Major advisor Asst. Prof. Kapil Khanal, PhD, Agriculture and Forestry
University

Site advisor Mr. Mitra Lal Poudel, Senior Agriculture Officer, PMAMP,
Okhar zone, Rukum (East)

Responsible organization College of Natural Resources Management-Khajura,

Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan

Research location Sisne-6, Dhakalbara, Rukum (East)

Total Cost 33,600/-

Duration of research March to July (2024)

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................5

1.1Background of study...........................................................................................................................5

1.2 Statement of Problem........................................................................................................................6

1.3 Rationale of the study........................................................................................................................7

1.4 Objectives of the study......................................................................................................................7

1.5 Hypothesis.........................................................................................................................................8

2. LITERATURE REVIEW........................................................................................................................8

2.1 Origin and History.............................................................................................................................8

2.2 Botany and Ecology...........................................................................................................................9

2.3 Potato production in Nepal................................................................................................................9

2.4 Uses of mulching in vegetable production.......................................................................................10

2.5 Effects of mulching on plant growth and yield................................................................................10

2.6 Effect of mulching on the soil environment.....................................................................................11

2.7 Effects of mulch on weeds...............................................................................................................12

2.8 Benefit-cost analysis in mulching materials.....................................................................................12

2.9 Organic farming...............................................................................................................................13

3. METHODS AND METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................14

3.1 Site selection....................................................................................................................................14

3.2 Weather condition............................................................................................................................14

3.3 Intercultural operation.....................................................................................................................14

3.3.1 Fertilizers..................................................................................................................................14

3.3.2 Weeding and Earthing up..........................................................................................................14

 3.3.3 Potato Variety Collection..........................................................................................................14

3.4 Field layout and experimental design..............................................................................................14

3.4.1 Field Layout..............................................................................................................................14

3.4.2 Experimental design.................................................................................................................15

3.5 Treatments details............................................................................................................................15

4. OBSERVATION PARAMETERS........................................................................................................16

4.1 Potato crop.......................................................................................................................................16

4.1.1 Germination..............................................................................................................................16

4.1.2 Plant height...............................................................................................................................16

4.1.3 Number of leaves per plant.......................................................................................................16

4.1.4 Number of aerial stems per plant..............................................................................................16

4.1.5 Number of tubers per plant.......................................................................................................16

4.1.6 Weight of tuber per plant..........................................................................................................16

4.1.7 Size of tuber..............................................................................................................................16

4.1.8 Tuber yield................................................................................................................................16

4.2 Soil properties..................................................................................................................................16

4.2.1 Moisture....................................................................................................................................16

4.2.2 NPK status................................................................................................................................17

4.2.3 Soil PH.....................................................................................................................................17

4.2.4 Soil organic matter....................................................................................................................17

5. DATA ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................................17

5.1 ANOVA Table for Completely Randomized Design.......................................................................17

5.2 Benefit-cost analysis........................................................................................................................17

6. BENEFICIARIES..................................................................................................................................18

7. EXPECTED OUTCOMES....................................................................................................................18
8. RISK AND ASSUMPTION..................................................................................................................18

9. WORK PLAN (GANTT CHART)........................................................................................................19

10. ESTIMATED BUDGET.....................................................................................................................20

REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................21

Abbreviation and Acronyms

% Percentage

˚C Degree Celsius

DF Degree of freedom

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FYM Farm Yard Manure

Ha Hectare

INGO International Non-Government Organization

MT Metric tones

MoAD Ministry of Agriculture Development

NPK Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium

NGO Non-Government Organization

PMAMP Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project

RCBD Randomized Complete Block Design

masl meter above sea level

ANOVA Analysis of Variance

DAP Day After Planting

DAS Day after sowing

NRs Nepali Rupees

Kg Kilogram

g Gram

cm centimeter

m meter

hrs Hours
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of study
Agriculture is the most important sector for sustaining growth and reducing poverty in Nepal.
The agriculture sector in Nepal plays a vital role in the country’s economy, providing
employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the country. Nepal is the country
where 66% are directly engaged in farming and agriculture is the leading source of farming.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important non-cereal food crops and fourth
most important crops in the world which is considered as the major stable food in the hilly region
of Nepal. It occupies 6th position in terms of area coverage 2nd place in production, and 1st
position in productivity (MoALD, 2020). The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a popular root
vegetable that is grown all over the world. It is popular in Nepal because of its greater
adaptability, high yield potential, and high demand, contributing 6.57 percent to AGDP and 2.17
percent to GDP. It is grown on 197,037 hectares (ha) with a yield of 13.13 metric tons per
hectare and a total production of 2,586,287 metric tons in Nepal (Chauhan et al., 2022).
According to MoALD (2022), the area under potato cultivation in Lumbini province is 21,010
m2, its production is 3,16,950 tons while the total yield is 15.09 tons per hectare. It consists of
high starch (16.1/100 g), vitamin C (17.1 mg/100 g), protein (2.1/100 g), potassium (443 mg/100
g), and essential amino acids and it is considered the nutrient-rich food (Bharati et. al., 2020).
The different varieties of potatoes cultivated in Nepal are Cardinal, Desiree, Kufri sinduri,
Khumal rato, khumal seto, Janakdev, and so on. It can be cultivated in different regions
according to the altitude (100-4000 masl).

A mulch is a natural or artificially spread layer of plant residues or other materials on the soil
surface. Mulches are derived from various kinds of materials: - organic or inorganic. Organic
mulches include bark, straw, grass clippings, thatch, husk, and other natural products that will
decompose. Inorganic mulches are non-living materials applied to the soil surface such as rock,
stone, and plastics. Mulching maintains optimum moisture conditions, reduces evaporation,
regulates temperature, increases soil microbial biomass, reduces fertilizers leaching as well as
soil salinity, and increases nutrient availability whereas indirectly favors the growth of plants by
reducing pathogen and weed number, increasing photosynthesis and root biomass (Joshi et al.,
2019). Mulching is one of the most cost-effective means for soil fertility management because a
range of positive effects can be obtained for soil fertility and other factors important for plant
production (Shelton et al., 1995). The improvement of soil biodiversity and environmental
benefits as the result of mulching also promotes soil water infiltration and crop water availability
(Memon et al., 2017).

Organic Farming is a method of agricultural production that uses biological fertilizers instead of
synthetic fertilizers. Organic Farming sustains soil health, enhances soil fertility, and increases
production. In addition, the organic mulch above the soil surface influences soil properties, may
affect the movement of some plant nutrients, and increase soil organic matter (Rees et al., 2002).
Organic manures supply essential nutrients to plants, including nitrogen, and improve soil quality
by enhancing soil aggregation, increasing water and nutrient retention, regulating soil pH, and
reducing disease incidence (Karkee et al., 2023).

1.2 Statement of Problem

Eastern Rukum is one of the major vegetable producers of Nepal supplying its produce in
different areas of the country. The demand for vegetables is increasing in Nepal. However, the
productivity of vegetables is very low as compared to the global average. This is due to
excessive rainfall, drought, weeds, pests and diseases, poor cultural practices, leaching of
nutrients from the soil, and low fertility in most of the vegetable-producing regions of the
country. Potato is the root vegetable which is grown as a cool-season crop. Potato is also known
as a heavy feeder crop which requires sufficient irrigation and fertilizers at all growth stages.
Eastern Rukum is known for organic farming so the availability of complete fertilizers for higher
production is the major problem in production. Farmers faced many problems due to drought,
poor quality seeds, insufficient fertilizer, lack of knowledge in weed management technologies
like mulching, shortage of labor, pests, and diseases. Farmers are not aware of the potential
benefits of use of mulching in potato farming. Due to the shortage of labor and organic farming
schemes the charges of weeding increase the cost of production. So, mulching is an effective
method to deal with moisture conservation and weed control.

1.3 Rationale of the study

This study will examine the effect of different mulch materials on potato production and soil
properties in farmers’ fields in an organic farming situation. Thus, the outcome of this study will
be helpful for small- and large-scale potato growers in Rukum East. The necessary suggestions
about the importance of mulching, recommendations, and knowledge about soil health would be
effective. The missing suggestions and the proper techniques of potato production can be
evaluated through the outcomes of this study. It will provide feedback and follow up on the
effectiveness of the knowledge provided to them. Thus, this study aims to support farmers in
potato production and increase living standards.

1.4 Objectives of the study

General objectives

 To know about the effects of different mulches on potato production and soil properties
in Eastern Rukum.

Specific objectives

 To identify the effects of different types of mulches on growth parameters and yield.
 To detect the change in soil properties due to different types of mulches.
 To analyze the Benefit-cost ratio of different mulches.

1.5 Hypothesis
Null hypothesis (H0):

 There is no significant difference in potato production with the different mulching

materials.
 There is no significant difference in the soil properties with the different mulching
materials.

Alternate hypothesis (H1):

 There is a significant difference in potato production with the different mulching

materials.
 There is a significant difference in the soil properties with the different mulching
materials.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Origin and History

The potato was first domesticated in the region of southern Peru and north-western Bolivia
which lies between the Andes Mountain Range (Rokaya, 2077). Many researches indicate
community of hunters and gathers, those who had first entered the South American continent at
least 7,000 years before, started domestication of wild potato plants that grew around the lake
(David et al., 2005). In Nepal, potato was cultivated in Kathmandu valley in 1973 A.D and is
believed to be imported from India. During the 19th century, potatoes were widely distributed in
Dehradun, Nainital, Darjeeling, etc., and were potatoes' distribution channels (Rokaya, 2077).

2.2 Botany and Ecology

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a herbaceous perennial plant and Nepal's fifth most important
crop. The potato plant has a shoot and root system. Shoot consists of compound leaves (two or
more discrete leaflets), stems, and bear pinkish or purple flowers. The underground part contains
a root and modified stem (Tuber). Tuber is used for food purposes.

Botanical classification of potatoes according to the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA)

Sub-kingdom: Tracheobiota

Super- Division: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Sub-class: Asteriadae

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Solanum

Species: tuberosum L.

It is grown all over the country in tropical climates to temperate climates from 100 to 4000masl.
Potato serves as the staple food, particularly for hilly people whereas it is used either as sole or
mixed with other vegetables almost in every meal of Nepalese people. Potato is a temperate or
cool-weather plant. The optimum temperature for germination ranges from 18 to 25°C. Tuber
production is retarded at soil temperature above 20°C and at 29°C growth is completely inhibited
(CIP, 2019).

2.3 Potato production in Nepal

Potatoes are grown widely in Nepal from the lower belt of Terai at an altitude of 100 m to high
mountains at an altitude of 4000m. National Potato Development Program (NPDP) was
established in 1972 AD as a national organization for potato development in Nepal. It has
initiated research and development work on potatoes focusing mainly on varietal improvement,
cultivation technology generation, and dissemination within the country. (National Potato
Development Program (NPDP), 2016).

Table 1 Potato production trend in Nepal

Year 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21

Area in hectare 199,971 185,879 195,268 193,997 188,098 198,788

Production in tons 2,805,582 2,591,686 3,088,000 3,112,947 3,131,830 3,325,231

Yield in tons per

hectare 14.03 13.94 15.81 16.05 16.65 16.73

Source: MoALD, 2022

2.4 Uses of mulching in vegetable production

The mulch is natural or artificially spread layer of plant residues or other any materials on the
soil surface. Mulching can be done by organic materials like straw, husk, cover crop, etc., or by
inorganic black or silver plastic that provides one or more ecological services such as enriching
or protecting the soil preventing pest attacks, or enhancement the production of the crop (Bharati
et. al., 2020). A variety of types of mulch leads to an increase in soil moisture content as a result
of decreased evaporation from the soil surface compared to that of un-mulched soil (Maged,
2006). Mulching is an age-old technique to conserve moisture, check weed growth, moderate soil
temperature, and provide micro-climate to plants. This technology is a boon for horticulture
crops not only for increasing growth, development, and yield but also as a method of soil and
water conservation. It increased the growth and fruit yield of vegetable crops through
modification of the crop growing environment by reducing weed infestation, soil moisture
depletion, and ameliorating soil temperatures. This helps to reduce herbicide usage, thus
preventing environmental pollution and ensuring the production of organic food (Barche et al.,
2014).

2.5 Effects of mulching on plant growth and yield

Mulching materials increased tuber yield and yield attributing characteristics of potatoes as
compared with no mulch (Timilsina et al., 2022). The highest tuber yield was obtained from
commercial mulch paper and mulching with black polythene sheets. As a result, mulching led to
a higher emergence rate and strong seedlings, increased the stems and branches per plant, leading
to more number of tubers in tuber initiation, and the emergence percentage of potatoes was
recorded significantly (p-value ≤ 0.01) higher in mulched practices in comparison with without
mulch practices. Also, the higher temperature and humidity under mulch during the early
development period may have resulted in a higher emergence rate and strong seedling increased
the stems and branches per plant thus leading to a greater number of tubers in tuber initiation.
According to Bhatta et. al. (2020), the quicker germination, flowering, and physiological
maturity in mulched conditions was due to an increase in soil temperature by the use of different
plastic mulches. Black plastic took the lowest number of days to attain 90% emergence followed
by perforated black plastic. Similarly, days for 50% flowering and 90% maturity were lowest in
perforated black plastic which was statistically similar with black plastic mulch for 50%
flowering. He also concluded that the highest days for 90% emergence, 50% flowering, and 90%
physiological maturity were observed in the control condition. Mulched treatment was found
significantly superior to un-mulched treatment in the case of all yield attributes like plant height,
stem number, canopy, and leaves number (Joshi et al., 2019).

2.6 Effect of mulching on the soil environment

Mulch materials created favorable conditions for the growth of plants. Such response was mainly
due to the physiochemical and biological improvement that occurred in the soil including
favorable temperature and moisture regimes, nutrient availability, and microbial activity in
mulch conditions (Bharati et al., 2020). soil parameters such as soil pH, Cation Exchange
Capacity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Organic Carbon were relatively higher under
plastic mulch than under no mulch (Bishwakarma et al., 2022). The use of organic materials as
mulch materials probably helped to add organic matter to soil resulted to increase in the soil
organic matter in the experimental plots (Timilsina et al., 2022). Bhattarai et al. (2009) revealed
for potato production and improving soil properties, the use of organic sources as a mulching
material could be a profitable way of mulching.

According to Bishwakarma et al. (2022), All the properties were found better in plots with
plastic mulch i.e., CEC (13.88 mmol/ Kg), Nitrogen (0.13%), and Phosphorus (59.06 Kg/ha),
Potassium (588.48 Kg/ha), OC (0.92%). Decomposition of organic matter occurred at a slow rate
due to more moisture conservation and moderating temperature under plastic mulch so more soil
organic carbon was found high in the case of plastic mulch (Mehmood et al., 2015).

The soil temperature was influenced by the use of mulching material as compared to the bare soil
with the highest soil temperature being recorded in black plastic and the lowest recorded in the
control condition (Bharati et al., 2020). Black polyethylene mulch stimulates quicker
germination by increasing soil temperature up to 9°C (Kumari, 2012). According to Azad
(2015), mulching reduces the day to harvest because of earlier physiological maturity in mulched
conditions. With mulching, the number of large-size tuber per plant increases, which may be due
to the positive effect of mulching on tuber as it helps regulate temperature (Joshi et al., 2019).
The temperature difference between controlled and mulched conditions at a 15 cm depth of soil
was observed up to 2.8°C with its highest value in black plastic mulch and lowest in the control
condition (Bhatta et al., 2020). Aryal et al. (2023) revealed that the higher germination in the
mulch condition might be due to an increase in soil temperature as compared to the control
condition and the increased soil temperature caused by the application of various plastic mulches
resulted in faster germination, flowering, and physiological maturity in mulched condition.

2.7 Effects of mulch on weeds

Mulching is a management technique to control weeds. It reduced the number of weeds and the
time needed for weeding (petrikovszki et al., 2020). Several reports have shown that the mulched
condition has lesser weed density and dry weight than bare soil (Kader et al., 2017). The use of
appropriate mulching practices is a necessary precursor to addressing the irrigation and weed
infestation problems in potato production (Aryal et al., 2023). Plots with polythene mulch had
the lowest number of invading weed species followed by straw mulch (Akkinapally et al.,2006).

2.8 Benefit-cost analysis in mulching materials

Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) is a technique for evaluating a project or investment by comparing
the economic benefits of an activity with the economic costs of the activity (Shively G., 2012).
According to Timilsina et al. (2021), Mulching with locally available Banmara could be the most
profitable practice for potato production if there is the availability of source materials and labor
otherwise mulching with commercial mulch paper could be the best practice for commercial
potato production. They also revealed that the incremental benefit-cost ratio was highest (2.97)
in the mulched treatment with Banmara followed by mulching with commercial mulch paper
(2.12) and the lowest with white polythene sheet mulching (0.33). According to Aryal et al.
(2023), using silver on black plastic mulch improved both vegetative growth and potato yield,
with a favorable benefit-cost ratio resulting in higher profitability. Thus, to maximize profit, it
would be advantageous to utilize silver on black plastic. The highest benefit-cost ratio was found
in plots with silver on black plastic (3.18), followed by black plastic (2.28), plant residue (1.75),
and the lowest on a control plot (1.13).

2.9 Organic farming

Organic farming is the only proper alternative to synthetic fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
It is strongly believed that increased crop production boosting the soil quality and long-term
manipulation of soil properties can be achieved by organic farming. This is due to the reason
that upon decomposition, organic matter releases macro and micronutrients into the soil solution
that becomes accessible to plants throughout the crop period, contributing to higher nutrient
uptake and improving the soil properties (Lalrintluangi et al., 2019). To guarantee resilience to
climate change, preserve ecosystem services and the natural world, which are essential for food
and agriculture, and alleviate poverty by reducing debt from the purchase of expensive synthetic
fertilizers, among other things, and increasing returns on the labor invested, organic farming may
assist with achieve security in terms of nutrition and food by improving traditional yields from
agriculture with no forcing producers to depend on artificial inputs (Paudel, 2020).

According to (FAO, 2024) Organic agriculture reduces non-renewable energy use by decreasing
agrochemical needs (these require high quantities of fossil fuel to be produced) and it also
contributes to mitigating the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to
sequester carbon in the soil. Under organic farming conditions, compost is considered the main
source of nutrients, especially in dry areas. Therefore, the available nutrient concentration in the
soil is affected by many processes that will influence the decomposition process of organic
fertilizers. It is noticed that soil mulching maintains the soil moisture and temperature, both of
which affect the microorganism activity and microbial degradation of organic matter in the soil,
as well as nutrient release from organic matter. Consequently, soil mulching has an indirect
effect on soil chemistry and fertility (Abdulaziz, 2017).

3. METHODS AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Site selection

The research experiment will be conducted at Sisne Rural Municipality-6, Dhakalbara, Rukum
(east). The elevation of the site is 1568 masl. According to DHM (Department of Hydrology and
Metrology), the latitude and longitude of Rukumkot are 28.61280306 and 82.62066389. The
climate of Rukum (east) varies from subtropical to temperate.

3.2 Weather condition

The research site lies in the temperate zone of Nepal. It is characterized by three distinct seasons
namely, rainy (June-October), cool winter (November-February), and hot summer (March-May).
The research will be conducted from March to July. Eastern Rukum has a temperate climate
where the annual average temperature is higher than 29.23ºC in summer and less than 15.26ºC in
winter (Weather and Climate).

3.3 Intercultural operation

3.3.1 Fertilizers
Farmyard manure (FYM): 20 tons/ha. The full recommended dose of manure will be applied
during land preparation at the time of planting. chemical fertilizers are not used as the site area
consists of 100% organic farming practices.

3.3.2 Weeding and Earthing up

1st Weeding will be done at the time of land preparation, 2 nd at 20 days after emergence, and 3 rd
will be done after 50 days after emergence. Earthing up will be done two times: 1 st at 20 days
after emergence and 2nd at 50 days after emergence.

3.3.3 Potato Variety Collection

The local variety of potatoes is collected from Maring Multipurpose Cooperative Limited of
Bhume-2, East Rukum.
3.4 Field layout and experimental design

3.4.1 Field Layout

Spacing: 50cm R-R×25 cm P-P
Plot size: 2m×2m
Spacing between the plots: 50cm
Spacing between replication: 50cm
Net plot size: 162.75 m2 (L= 10.5m and B= 15.5m)
A plot has 4 hills with 8 potato tubers in each row making 32 plants in each plot. The total
population of the plant becomes 768 in a whole field.

3.4.2 Experimental design

The experiment will be conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 6 treatments,
each replication 4 times. The treatments consist of Black plastic, Saw dust, Asuro (Justicia
adhatoda), Mustard straw, Control, and Thatch(khar).

R1 R2 R3 R4
T1 T6 T4 T2
T2 T1 T5 T3
T4 T3 T1 T4
T5 T2 T6 T1
T6 T4 T3 T5
T3 T5 T2 T6

Figure 1 Field Layout of the experimental plot

3.5 Treatments details

T1: Black plastic
T2: Sawdust
T3: Asuro (Justicia adhatoda)
T4: Mustard straw
T5: Control
T6: Thatch (Khar)
Each treatment has been replicated four times.

4. OBSERVATION PARAMETERS

4.1 Potato crop

4.1.1 Germination
Days to germination and germination % of each treatment will be calculated and compared.

4.1.2 Plant height

The height of the plant will be recorded at 45 DAS, 60 DAS, and 75 DAS. Plant height will be
determined by measuring the height of selected plants as the distance from the soil surface to the
topmost growing point.

4.1.3 Number of leaves per plant

A number of green leaves per plant will be counted from the same plants that will be selected for
taking observations of plant height. Counting of leaves will be done at 45 DAS, 60 DAS, and 75
DAS. Photosynthetically active green leaves will be considered effective leaves excluding
senescent and emerging leaves. The mean will be calculated from all.

4.1.4 Number of aerial stems per plant

The number of aerial stems per plant will be counted from the same plants which will be selected
for taking observations of plant height. Counting of aerial stem will be done at 45 DAS, 60 DAS,
and 75 DAS.

4.1.5 Number of tubers per plant

Several tubers per plant will be counted from the same plants selected for taking observations of
plant height. The mean will be calculated from all.

4.1.6 Weight of tuber per plant

The weight of tubers per plant will be counted from the same plants selected for taking
observations of plant height. The mean will be calculated from all.

4.1.7 Size of tuber

The size of the tuber will be compared with the same plants selected for taking observation of
plant height. The size of the tuber will be categorized into three groups such as small (<50g),
medium (50-100g), and large (>100g).
 4.1.8 Tuber yield
The tuber yield of each treatment will be calculated (ton/ha) and compared.

4.2 Soil properties

4.2.1 Moisture
The soil moisture will be determined by the Gravimetric method (Pradhan, 1996). The sample
will be taken from every plot to find out the effect of mulch on soil properties.

4.2.2 NPK status

The NPK status of the soil will be determined in the soil laboratory. Total Nitrogen is determined
by the Kjeldahl method, the available Phosphorus is determined by Modified Olsen's
Bicarbonate method and Potassium is determined by the Flame Photometer method (Pradhan,
1996). It will be determined from the same sample plot used for moisture measurement.

4.2.3 Soil PH
The soil PH will be measured by using the Glass-calomel electrode PH meter method (Pradhan,
1996). It will be determined from the same sample plot used for moisture measurement.

4.2.4 Soil organic matter

The organic matter of soil will be estimated by the Walkley-Black method (Pradhan, 1996). It
will be determined from the same sample plot used for moisture measurement.

5. DATA ANALYSIS

5.1 ANOVA Table for Completely Randomized Design

Table 2 ANOVA for Completely Randomized Design (RCBD)

Source of Degree of Sum of Mean sum of Computed Tabulated F
variation freedom(d.f.) square square F
(SOV)
Replication (r-1) =3 RSS RMS=RSS/(r-1) RMS/EMS @1 @5%
%
Treatment (t-1) = 5 TSS TMS=TSS/(t-1) TMS/EMS
Error (r-1) (t-1) = 15 ESS EMS=ESS/(E-1)
Total (rt-1) = 23
5.2
Benefit-cost analysis
The benefit-cost analysis will be carried out by calculating the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) using the
formula:

Gross Return
BCR=
Total Cost

Adhikari (2011); Lepcha et. al (2021) and Subedi et al. (2019) also used a similar formula to
calculate the benefit-cost ratio for assessing the benefit-cost analysis.

Gross return= Q*P

Where Q= Productivity (yield)

P= Farm-gate price

6. BENEFICIARIES
 Primary beneficiaries will be potato growers who will acknowledge the use of mulch to
suppress weeds, preserve soil moisture, and increase the yield of potatoes.
 Secondary beneficiaries are the development worker/planner/researchers and students.
 Tertiary beneficiaries are vegetable entrepreneurs, NGOs, INGOs, and other institutions
related to vegetable production.

7. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
 The effective mulching for potato production and soil environment will be identified.
 The effects of individual treatment on the yield of potatoes will be determined.
 The problems during potato cultivation will be identified.
 The extension of the research findings will be better due to the supervision of PMAMP
and the direct participation of the farmer and other stakeholders.

8. RISK AND ASSUMPTION

 Biotic and abiotic factors will remain favorable.
 Farmers will co-operative with the project activities.
 Strong coordination with Potato super zone.
 Research material will be available in time.
9. WORK PLAN (GANTT CHART)

S.N Activities March April May June July

1. Literature review collection

2. Field visit

3. Field preparation

4. Layout of field

5. Sowing

6. Intercultural operations

7. Data collection

8. Harvesting

9. Analysis and interpretation of

data

10. Report writing

10. ESTIMATED BUDGET

S.N Particulars NRs.

1. Land preparation 4,000/-

2. Field layout (Ropes, Tapes) 1,000/-

3. Farmyard manure 2,500/-

4. Potato tubers 1,500/-

5. Soil sampling 500/-

6. Sowing 2,500/-

7. Intercultural operations 3,100/-

8. Harvesting 2,500/-

9. Data Entry and Analysis 2,000/-

10. Stationery and Printings 3,500/-

11. Drafts and Report 1,500/-

12. Traveling cost 8,000/-

13. Miscellaneous 1,000/-

Total 33,600/-
 REFERENCES

Abdulaziz, A. (2017). Effect of mulch on soil properties under organic farming conditions in center of
Saudi Arabia. INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL "MECHANIZATION IN
AGRICULTURE": 161-167

Adhikari, R.K. (2011). Economics of organic rice production. The Journal of Agriculture and
Environment, 12: 97-103, [Link]

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