Abstract
ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of organic and synthetic mulches on yield of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) under drip irrigation. Basil was grown in plots with organic (compost or straw) and synthetic (black plastic or black fabric) mulches. A bare plot (control) was also established for comparison. In 1991, total plant and leaf fresh weights in plots with compost mulch were higher than all other mulch treatments except for plots with black plastic mulch. In 1993, total plant and leaf fresh yields from plots under organic mulches were significantly higher than yields from plots with synthetic mulches. All mulch treatments resulted in lower irrigation water use and increased water use efficiency as compared with bare soil. Organic mulches reduced soil temperature in the range of 1 to 6°C.
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