Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the influence of different mulching materials on soil surface temperature, water use efficiency and production. Two field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt, during the summer of 2016 and the winter 2017 growing season in a sandy soil under trickle irrigation system. Six treatments transparent polyethylene sheets, rice straw, maize straw and control were investigation in the field. The results showed that there were more increases in soil temperature under plastic mulch than under others treatments. The recorded soil surface temperature was lowest under rice straw mulch during both summer and winter seasons. The field investigation revealed that, the highest grain yield and water use efficiency of maize was obtained during summer which were 9563 kg ha-1 and 1.54 kg m-3, respectively under rice straw mulch. During winter, faba bean gave the highest values of seed yield and water use efficiency 7521 kg ha-1 and 2.20 kg m-3, respectively were achieved under transparent plastic mulch followed by rice straw mulch. Mulching method can help to improve yield of crops. It was recommended that, using 8 Mg ha-1 rice straw mulch in both summer and winter conditions was the best for soil temperature. It is also more attractive option by its very cheap and ease in availability and is environmental friendly.
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