Different Types Of Mulch Research Articles

Influence of Different Types of Mulches on Eggplant Production

Abstract Field studies conducted during the summers of 1983 and 1984 evaluated the influence of different types of mulching materials on growth and development of ‘Black Beauty’ eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Treatments consisted of a) pine needles, b) newspaper, c) black plastic, and d) no mulch. The effects of mulching on earliness, growth index, soil moisture, temperature, pH, leaf nutrient content, weed control, and yield were measured. In 1983, a year of limited rainfall, all of the mulching treatments caused a significant increase in growth when compared to the unmulched treatment. Growth was unaffected by mulching in 1984, a year of abundant rainfall. Earliness, measured by the number of fruit per plant prior to the first harvest, was significantly increased by black plastic in 1983 but was not affected in 1984, which suggests the effectiveness of mulching under limited rainfall. In both years, mulching did not affect soil pH, leaf nutrient content, or soil temperature. Black plastic or pine needles were significantly more effective than newspaper in conserving moisture and controlling weeds. Black plastic increased yields significantly compared to the unmulched control in 1983, whereas black plastic or pine needles increased yields in 1984.

Effects of Mulches on Soil Water Content and Water Status of Tea Plants in Kenya

SUMMARYSoil moisture content and plant water status of young clonal tea plants were affected differently by five different types of mulches (black plastic, stone chippings and three types of grass) when compared with a control without mulch. During prolonged droughts, soil moisture content was generally highest under Napier grass and black plastic but any type of mulch was better than no mulch in conserving moisture to 90 cm depth. Tensiometer data at the onset of rains after an unusual prolonged dry season suggest that the infiltration was fastest under grass mulches. After four years of continuous application grass mulches had significantly most effect on water holding capacity, but induced shallow rooting systems, which made the mulched tea more susceptible to drought.