Abstract
Irrigation has been pointed out in recent decades as the major consumer of water. Considering the need for a rational use of water resources and the importance of mulching for planting, this study evaluated the effect of organic mulching (sugarcane straw) under soil water storage for cabbage crop development. This research was conducted at CCA/UFSCar, and the experimental design was a completely randomized design with four replications and two treatments with and without sugarcane straw. Water application was performed by a drip irrigation system and irrigation management was determined from data collected by TDR. The use of organic mulching did not interfere with cabbage productivity under greenhouse conditions. The straw presents efficiency for reduction of soil evaporation and, consequently, increases water-use efficiency. The soil cover made it possible to save up to 28.1 mm (14.5%) of the water depth.
Highlights
In recent years, the intensive and sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture has been the subject of several studies, with water and nutrients being the most limiting factors of agricultural production
Water is applied in small volumes and high frequencies directly to the root zone of plants in order to maintain the moisture in the root zone close to the field capacity, allowing the best water use (Bizari et al, 2016)
Considering the need for a rational use of water resources and the importance of mulching for planting, this study evaluated the effect of organic mulching under soil water storage for cabbage crop development
Summary
The intensive and sustainable use of natural resources in agriculture has been the subject of several studies, with water and nutrients being the most limiting factors of agricultural production. Soil coverage with plant residues is presented as an agricultural practice that conserves the natural processes that maintain a stable temperature and reduces natural water losses by the evaporation process on the soil surface, providing an increase in water-use saving (Cortez et al, 2015). In this case, straw acts as a mechanical and thermal barrier on the soil, providing better water conservation (Murga-Orillo et al, 2016). Considering the need for a rational use of water resources and the importance of mulching for planting, this study evaluated the effect of organic mulching (sugarcane straw) under soil water storage for cabbage crop development
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
