Abstract
In two field trials on sandy loam (Fluvent) soil, maize stalk mulch, generated in situ and applied at maize harvest, conserved more soil moisture than did the fallow control or repeated ploughings and plankings. A sal leaf ( Shorea robusta) mulch at 10 t ha −1 was as effective as a maize stalk mulch, but had the disadvantage of cost and time incurred by its collection and transportation from the forest to the field. Combining tillage with mulching did not give any additional benefit. Maize stalk mulch, with or without tillage, conserved 35.6 and 63.6 mm more moisture per 450 mm of soil than did tillage treatments and fallow control in 1986–1987, between maize harvest and sowing of wheat. The corresponding moisture conservation in 1987 – 1987 was 16.8 and 26.0 mm, respectively. Mulch-induced residual soil moisture significantly increased the grain and straw yield of rainfed wheat. Wheat grain yield with a maize stalk mulch was 19% higher than with tillage treatments, and 52% higher than in the fallow control in 1986–1987. The corresponding increase in grain yield in 1987–1988 was 30 and 195%, respectively.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
