Farm Trials were conducted in the jhum fields of Zunheboto district under rainfed conditions to observe the Effect Of Paddy Straw Mulching and FYM in Colocasia crop. Three jhum fields of Lumami village were selected for each one-hectare area. Colocasia being an essential crop of this area, was selected for the trial. It was observed that the use of Paddy Straw Mulching @ 12t ha-1 at 3 cm thickness and FYM@ 10t ha-1 increased the soil moisture and reduced the soil temperature as compared to the farmers’ practice. The mean temperature at 15, 30, and 45 DAP in the trial plot ranged from 26.2, 30.3 to 31.7 oC and mean soil moisture at 45 DAP from 5cm depth was 28.9 % as compared to the farmers practice were the mean temperature was higher, ranging from 27.0, 32.3 and 32.5oC and mean moisture of 22.2% where paddy straw mulching was not used. The mean yield, net income, and B:C ratio were also increased to 3030 kg ha-1, ` 1,01033, and 3.00 over farmers practice of 2292 kg ha-1, ` 64,100, and 2.27.

Highlights

• Application of paddy straw @ 12 t ha-1 at 3 cm thickness and FYM@ 10 t ha-1 in colocasia crop have decreased the soil temperature and increased the soil moisture in the jhum fields.
• The yield, net income, and B:C ratio were also enhanced.
• The soil fertility status was also improved.