Polypropylene woven fabric: A good mulch material for young rubber plants

Abstract

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p>In young rubber plantations, dry leaf, coco tree mat, polypropylene woven fabric and coir pith were evaluated as agricultural mulch materials for their influence on soil moisture conservation, weed control, soil temperature and microflora, plant growth and durability in two field experiments. The experiments were conducted in a drought susceptible clone (RRII 105) and a comparatively drought tolerant clone (RRII 430) at Chimoni Estate, Thrissur district, a drought-prone area in Kerala. The effects of different treatments were similar in both the experiments irrespective of clones. Though dry leaf and coir pith were effective in soil moisture conservation, they remained in the field for one season only and failed to control weeds during rainy season. Coco tree mat conserved moisture and also smothered weeds in plant basins. However, it remained in the field for almost one year only before it was completely decomposed. Polypropylene woven fabric improved soil moisture retention, as well as suppressed weed growth and was found durable. Though mulching reduced the adverse effects of summer, significant impact on soil microflora and plant growth was not manifested. Polypropylene woven fabric appears to be a good alternative mulch material for <em>Hevea.</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>