Abstract
The possibility of using different types of mulch to improve the bulb yield of shallot (Allium cepa var aggregatum) is observed in this paper. The field experiment compared five different types of mulches, including silver, black, straw, screen nylon, and clear plastic mulches, with a non-mulch as a control treatment. Straw mulch and screen nylon mulch reduced shallot biomass but did not significantly affect bulb yield than the control treatment. At the same time, clear plastic mulch increased fresh bulb yield significantly by 30% from 10.26 t ha-1 to 13.29 t ha-1.
Highlights
Shallot (Allium cepa var aggregatum) is one of Indonesia's most important vegetable crops, and it was used in many traditional Indonesian cuisines
The average bulb yield was lower than the potential bulb yield that can be achieved in this region
The gap differences between the potential yield and on-farm bulb yield create room for improvement, especially the agronomic aspect that might significantly interfere with the shallot bulb yield
Summary
Shallot (Allium cepa var aggregatum) is one of Indonesia's most important vegetable crops, and it was used in many traditional Indonesian cuisines. The largest shallot production area is Central Java. In 2018, the harvested area in Central Java was 46 316 ha, the total production was 445 583 t, and the fresh bulb yield was about 9.62 t ha-1 [1]. Soil mulching could reduce soil evaporation by 45%, the total evapotranspiration by 5% and increased water use efficiency up to 13% [5]. Straw mulch decreases temperature and evapotranspiration on the soil surface, leading to increased crop yield in the temperate region but reduced crop yield in semiarid areas because of lower soil surface temperature [6,7,8]. This research investigated the effect of various mulch types on the growth and bulb yield of shallot in Central Java, Indonesia
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
