Abstract
Organic mulches offer environmentally friendly benefits for cotton in challenging environments. A study was conducted in the farmer field and research station of the Rural Education and Economic Development Society (REEDS) Pakistan in 2023 to evaluate the effect of various organic mulches on soil properties, cotton yield, and quality in a semi-arid region. Results showed that wheat straw, rice, and sugarcane leaves straw maintained moderate soil temperatures (27.3°C to 27.4°C), unlike the control (41.6°C). Soil pH remained stable (7.9 to 8.1), and organic mulches raised soil carbon (0.68% to 0.72% vs. 0.51% control). Nutrient availability increased, with higher nitrogen (0.045% to 0.049%), phosphorus (6.2 mg kg−1 to 6.5 mg kg−1), and potassium (89 mg kg−1 to 92 mg kg−1) compared to control (0.028%, 5.6 mg kg−1, and 71 mg kg−1). Organic matter content rose (0.77% to 0.81%) versus the control (0.51%). Weed density decreased (4 to 5 weeds m² vs. 23 weeds m² control) with mulches. Cotton height, bolls per plant, and open-boll weight increased with mulches, elevating cotton yield (2704 kg ha−1 to 2743 kg ha−1) over control (2117 kg ha−1), with consistent ginning outturn (36.62% to 37.2%). Cotton quality remained similar, while mulches reduced irrigation frequency (7 irrigations) and total amount (533 mm); control needed more (9 irrigations, 685 mm). Crop water use efficiency improved with mulches (0.50 to 0.51 kg m−3 vs. 0.30 kg m−3 control). This study highlights organic mulch's potential to enhance soil properties, nutrient availability, weed suppression, cotton yield, and water use efficiency.
Published Version
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