A review on effect of mulching practices on the crop production

Abstract

Mulching has become the most important practice in modern field production. Mulching is an agricultural technique that involves the use of organic materials (straw, fresh or old hay, animal manures, and other crop residues) and synthetic (inorganic) materials (black plastic, pebbles, and gravels) with the purpose of increasing crop productivity. Mulching practices are also useful for protecting the roots of plant from cold, hot and dry. It also checks evaporation from the soil and improves the micro-climatic air and soil conditions in which the plant is growing. Mulching materials are used to cover the surface of the soil around the plants to create a favorable condition i.e. conservation of soil moisture and temperature for plant growth and development. It included maintain temperatures, reduces salinity and management of weed growth. Mulch has a decisive impact on the yields and quality of crops. Various kinds of mulching materials are used for many agricultural species in several climatic environments, and therefore the results vary consistent with the chosen approach, increasing practices, conditions, and species, so it is difficult to generalize. Mulching operation is also applicable to most of the field crops. Mulching is a beneficiary effect for increasing moisture of soil, reduction in soil erosion, maintenance of soil temperature etc. In agriculture, the black plastic mulch is most used for better crop production. The clear/transparent plastic mulch is used in certain areas due to its enhanced the characteristics of soil warming. Weed control beneath the mulch is preventive to its use. Therefore, Effect of mulching can be increased production of crop in water-deficient areas. In this review relates to the discuss of mulching practices and how, it has a beneficial effect for crop production.