Effect Of Different Mulching Materials Research Articles

The Efficacy of Different Mulching Materials in Influencing Growth, Yield, Soil and Quality Parameters of Ginger Cultivated in Low Country Intermediate Zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka

Even though mulching is a well-known fact among cultivators they are seemingly unaware of its contribution to growth and yield of Ginger and its ability to cope with temperature and water stress. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Intercropping and Betel Research Station, Narammala to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, yield, quality parameters of Ginger and the soil parameters in the Low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. The study was also extended to find out the best mulching material for Ginger under certain field conditions. The findings are expected to contribute to eliminate the uncertainty faced by farmers when selecting suitable mulch for Ginger. The mulches tested were straw, gliricidia leaves, coconut leaves, coir dust and polythene. A control treatment was used without the use of mulch. Experiment was carried out as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Plant and soil parameters were measured at monthly intervals. All the treatments showed better performances than the control treatment which did not use mulch. The maximum number of sprouted plants was obtained in plots mulched with gliricidia. Further, the significantly highest plant height and number of pseudostems per clump were observed in gliricidia mulched plants. Fresh weight and dry weight of rhizomes too followed the similar pattern of measured growth parameters. Plots that did not used mulch recorded the lowest growth rate and yield of Ginger. Soil moisture conservation was significantly higher in the treatments with mulch than the control treatment. Polythene mulch was more effective for conserving of soil moisture than other mulches. However, all the soil parameters significantly contributed to the highest yield of Ginger in Gliricidia mulch treatment. The pungency level of Ginger was significantly higher in the control treatment. In this study gliricidia mulch positively contributed to increase the yield of Ginger (43.66% per hectare) more than the average yield denoted by DEA. Keeping the above facts in view, gliricidia proved to be the best mulch for Ginger cultivation in the low country intermediate zone (IL1) of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the results of this study will help the farmers to use the correct mulch to get significantly higher yield.

Effect of different mulching materials on growth, flowering, bulb yields and soft rot incidence of calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Effect of different mulching materials on growth, flowering, bulb yields and soft rot incidence of calla lily (<i>Zantedeschia aethiopica</i>)

Effects of Different Mulching Materials and Planting Distance on Selected Soil Properties of Organic Farms Planted with Orthosiphon stamineus

A field study was carried out to determine the impact of mulching and planting distance on the growth of <i>Orthosiphon stamineus</i>, soil properties and also to observe the changes in pH and EC of soil in response to mulching and planting distance. The experiment was carried out at Ladang 16, Faculty of Agriculture UPM. Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was incorporated with four replicates for each of the four treatments. The four treatments consisted of mulching, non-mulching, planting distance of 30 cm × 30 cm and planting distance of 45 cm × 45 cm. After eight weeks of planting, the plants were harvested while soil pH and EC were measured on a weekly basis throughout the planting period. Results showed that application of biochar and usage of mulching materials and suitable planting distance does helps to maintain the soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) at the suitable range for crop growth. The level of the acidity of the soil is in the range of 5.3 to 6.61 which is considered appropriate for <i>O. stamineus</i>. As for influence of planting distance, it is best to give longer time for <i>O. stamineus</i> grows. It is recommended that more planting distance and types of mulching materials to be used to grow <i>O. stamineus</i>.<div><br></div>

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Yield and Yield Components as Affected by Mulching at Teda, Centeral Gondar, Ethiopia

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is one of the most popular salad crops and occupies the largest production area among salad crops in the world. However, production of lettuce can be limited due to lack of improved production techniques. Farmers in northwestern Ethiopia didn’t apply mulching for lettuce. A field study was conducted at Teda in 2018 to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on yield and yield component of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under irrigation. Five mulching materials used as a treatment viz: white plastic, black plastic, teff straw, chickpea straw and control (without mulch). The treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Application of mulching increased leaf width, leaf number, plant height, biological yield, root volume, dry matter and plant height. The highest and lowest yield was recorded for black plastic mulch and no mulch, respectively. The study revealed that the black plastic is the best mulching material among the organic and inorganic once for the production of lettuce in the study area.

Effects of Different Mulching Materials on Reducing Soil Dust from Bare Soil

Effects of Different Mulching Materials on Reducing Soil Dust from Bare Soil

不同覆盖物对甘薯品种产量和品质的影响

不同覆盖物对甘薯品种产量和品质的影响

Effect of Mulching Materials on Soil Health, Yield and Quality Attributes of Broccoli Grown Under the Mid-Hill Conditions

Broccoli is an important cole crop, grown widely in the North Eastern states of India. The deficiency of soil moisture in mid-hills is one of the most limiting factors affecting the production and productivity of the crops. To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on soil environment, productivity and quality aspect of broccoli (Hybrid Puspa), the experiment was conducted for three years during 2013–2016. Among the treatments, highest photosynthetic rate (34.81 mmol m−2 s−1), transpiration rate (7.86 mmol m−2 s−1), stomatal conductance (180.08 mmol m−2s−1), low intercellular CO2 concentration (50.06 ppm), highest chlorophyll a (0.25 g kg−1), b (0.06 g kg−1) and a/b ratio (4.31) as well as anthocyanin content (0.62 mg g−1) was recorded from the treatment T3 (Dry weed biomass mulch of Eupatorium and Ambrosia spp. @1 kg m−2 area). Similarly, treatment T3 was also found to be superior for the number of leaves, leaf length, leaf weight, stalk length and weight, head length and diameter. The highest marketable head yield (22.75 t ha−1) was in T3 mulch and it was 57% higher over the control. Poly mulch has shown the higher soil moisture and temperature throughout growing period. The highest available nutrients such as soil organic carbon and NPK content were observed in poly mulch. For quality traits such as dry matter, total sugar, β-carotene and vitamin-C content, the control was superior. It was observed that, mulching has positive effect on the yield as well as quality and available biomass in this region can be a better alternative for the resource poor farmers of this region.

Effect of different Mulching Materials on the Yield of Quality Protein Maize in Danbatta Local Government Area, Kano State Nigeria

Effect of different Mulching Materials on the Yield of Quality Protein Maize in Danbatta Local Government Area, Kano State Nigeria

覆盖材料和沟垄比对土壤水分和紫花苜蓿干草产量的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 覆盖材料和沟垄比对土壤水分和紫花苜蓿干草产量的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201509081853 作者: 作者单位: 甘肃农业大学草业学院,甘肃农业大学草业学院,甘肃农业大学草业学院,甘肃农业大学草业学院,甘肃农业大学草业学院,甘肃农业大学农学院,甘肃农业大学农学院,中国气象局兰州干旱气象研究所 / 甘肃省气候变化与减灾重点实验室,兰州;中国气象局兰州干旱气象研究所 / 甘肃省气候变化与减灾重点实验室,兰州 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金资助项目（41461062，41161090） Effects of mulching materials and furrow-to-ridge ratios on soil moisture and alfalfa forage yield Author: Affiliation: College of Grassland Science,Gansu Agricultural University,College of Grassland Science,Gansu Agricultural University,College of Grassland Science,Gansu Agricultural University,College of Grassland Science,Gansu Agricultural University,College of Grassland Science,Gansu Agricultural University,Agronomy College,Gansu Agricultural University,Agronomy College,Gansu Agricultural University,Key Laboratory of Arid Climatic Changing and Reducing Disaster of Gansu Province/Institute of Arid Meteorology,China Meteorological Administration Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:为寻求半干旱黄土高原区种植紫花苜蓿的适宜覆盖材料和最佳沟垄比，采用完全随机设计布置大田试验，以传统平作为对照，研究不同垄覆盖材料（土壤结皮、生物可降解地膜和普通地膜）和不同沟垄比（沟宽：垄宽分别为60：30、60：45和60：60，单位是cm）对土壤水分和紫花苜蓿干草产量等的影响。结果表明：通过对2012年和2013年紫花苜蓿生育期降雨量统计，2a平均值显示，无效降雨次数（53次）大于有效降雨次数（27次），无效降雨对总降雨量的贡献率（19%）小于有效降雨（81%）。就紫花苜蓿全生育期而言，与平作相比，SR30、SR45、SR60、BMR30、BMR45、BMR60、CMR30、CMR45和CMR60（SR、BMR和CMR分别代表土垄、生物可降解膜垄和普通膜垄，下标分别表示垄宽为30、45cm和60cm）连续2a的平均根层（0-140 cm）土壤贮水量分别提高12.8、19.2、24.4、26.0、30.7、40.5、29.9、37.1 mm和47.7 mm。垄沟集雨种植第1年龄和第2年龄紫花苜蓿根层没有出现明显干层。与平作相比，SR30、SR45和SR60的连续2a紫花苜蓿平均实际干草产量分别降低3%、8%和13%，WUE分别提高52%、58%和55%；BMR30、BMR45、BMR60、CMR30、CMR45和CMR60的连续2a紫花苜蓿平均实际干草产量分别提高14%、12%、7%、17%、19%和9%，WUE分别提高49%、62%、59%、51%、67%和56%。当紫花苜蓿生育期降雨量为380.7-427.6 mm和沟垄比为60 cm：35-36 cm时，生物可降解膜垄和普通膜垄的紫花苜蓿实际干草产量达到最大值，为该地区垄沟集雨种植紫花苜蓿提供参考。 Abstract:To determine the optimum furrow-to-ridge ratio and a suitable ridge-mulching material for alfalfa production in a ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting system in the semi-arid Loess Plateau, a field experiment with a randomized complete block design was conducted during the 2012 and 2013 alfalfa growing seasons. The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different mulching materials (manually compacted soil crust, biodegradable mulch film, and common plastic film) and furrow to ridge ratios (60:30, 60:45, and 60:60[cm:cm]) on soil moisture and alfalfa forage yield, with traditional flat planting (TFP) as a control. The average number of ineffective rainfall events (53) was greater than that of effective rainfall events (27) over these two years, and the contribution rate (19%) of the ineffective rainfall to annual rainfall was less than that (81%) of the effective rainfall. Compared with TFP, increases in the soil water storage at depths of 0-140 cm were 12.8, 19.2, 24.4, 26.0, 30.7, 40.5, 29.9, 37.1, and 47.7 mm in SR30, SR45, SR60, BMR30, BMR45, BMR60, CMR30, CMR45, and CMR60 (SR, BMR, and CMR were ridges with manually compacted soil, covered with bio-degradable mulch film, and covered with common plastic film, respectively, and subscripts 30, 45, and 60 refer to ridge widths (cm), all with 60 cm furrow width), respectively. There was no distinctive dry soil layer found within the root zone among ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting treatments during 2 consecutive years. Compared with TFP, forage yields decreased by 3%, 8%, and 13% for SR30, SR45, and SR60, respectively, while water use efficiency (WUE) increased by 52%, 58%, and 55% over the two years in these ridge-furrow systems. Forage yields increased by 14%, 12%, 7%, 17%, 19%, and 9% for BMR30, BMR45, BMR60, CMR30, CMR45, and CMR60, respectively, while WUE increased by 49%, 62%, 59%, 51%, 67%, and 56% in these ridge-furrow systems in the same period. Optimum furrow width was 35-36 cm for BMR and CMR in the ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting system with 60 cm furrows for alfalfa production in this region that has an annual 380.7-427.6 mm rainfall. This information is useful for alfalfa production in ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting systems in this region. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Effect of different mulching materials on weeds and yield of Chili cultivars

To evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the weeds and yield of chili cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm at University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the year 2014. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replication.. There were two factors i.e. mulching materials (Wheat straw, Saw dust, Transparent plastic, Black plastic, Unmulched) and chili cultivars (PusaJawala, Sky Star, Hot Green, Green Star).Minimum weed density m -2 (19), maximum yield tons ha -1 (3.07) were found when black plastic was used, while maximum weed density m -2 (209), were found, when transparent plastic was used. Highest soil moisture content (%) was found under black and transparent plastic mulch. Wheat straw and saw dust also increase growth and yield components of chili as compare to Unmulched plots. Lowest soil moisture content (16.1 %) and minimum yield tons ha -1 (0.70) were recorded from Unmulched plots. In case of cultivars maximum yield tons ha -1 (2.33) were noted in cultivar Sky Star. It is concluded from the results that cultivar Sky star along with black plastic mulch proved better with respect to weed control and yield and should be used for higher production of chili under the agro climatic conditions of Peshawar.

Response of distribution pattern and physiological characteristics of apple roots grown in the dry area of eastern Gansu to ground mulching

The objective of the experiment is to ascertain the effects of different mulching materials on the distribution and physiological activity of apple roots as well as the soil physicochemical pro-perties in the rain-fed Longdong arid areas. With fourteen years old apple trees as test material, the different classes of roots were collected by using soil profile method and stratified sampling in soil profile to investigate the spatial distribution, root biomass, root length and surface area. The activity of root and antioxidant enzymes and some antioxidant indexes were measured. Soil bulk density and soil porosity in different soil layers were determined. The results indicated that ground covering treatment increased the soil moisture, porosity and organic matter content, and the amplification were 2.7%-11.6%, 3.2%-27.7%, 5.1%-36.0%, respectively compared with the control. The soil bulk density was reduced by 88.7%-96.4%. The roots of CK distributed mainly in soil layer of 0-60 cm in depth, 30-120 cm away from the trunk. However, with straw and plastic mulching the roots distributed mainly in the layer of 0-100 cm in depth, 0-150 cm and 0-60 cm away from the trunk, respectively, mostly concentrated in the 20-40 cm layer close to the ground. Plastic mul-ching made a narrower horizontal root distribution than CK and the total fine root amount was 96.4% of that of CK, and that in 0-60 cm layer accounted for 51.6% of the total fine root amount. More-over, the mulching resulted in a higher activity of root and antioxidant enzymes in 0-80 cm layer. The root activity with straw mulching was 111.3%-136.7% as much as the control. For sake of the efficacy on improving root distribution and physiological activity, the straw mulching was suggested as a better way for soil management in apple orchard in dry area of eastern Gansu.

Effects of different mulching materials on nitrate metabolism in soil of apple root-zone in summer and autumn.

This study explored the effects of mulching straw mat, agricultural carpet, transparent-plastic film and horticultural fabric on nitrification-denitrification, nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), ammonium, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen in root-zone soil grown with three-year old apple trees (Malus domestica cv. Starkrimson) during summer and autumn. Results showed that the four treatments decreased nitrification intensity in summer soil, NiR activity in summer-autumn soil and the variation coefficient of nitrification-denitrification intensity and NR in both summer and autumn soil. The treatments increased the denitrification intensity, NR activity, ammonium nitrogen contents in summer-autumn soil and ammonium nitrogen contents in autumn soil. Straw mat treatment increased denitrification intensity and nitrate nitrogen contents in both summer and autumn soil and decreased the activity of NR and NiR in summer soil. The coefficient of variation of nitrification-denitrification intensity and NR activity treated by mulching straw mat was lower than those in the other treatments in both summer and autumn soil. Agricultural carpet increased the NR and NiR activity in summer soil, the nitrate nitrogen contents in summer-autumn soil and the denitrification intensity in autumn soil and decreased denitrification intensity in summer soil. Transparent-plastic film increased the nitrite nitrogen contents in summer soil, the contents of nitrate nitrogen in summer-autumn soil, the nitrification intensity and NiR activity in autumn soil, and decreased nitrate nitrogen contents in summer soil. Horticultural fabric increased denitrification intensity in summer soil, nitrification intensity in summer-autumn and autumn soil and the nitrate nitrogen contents in autumn soil. The four mulching treatments all promoted plant growth. In the four mulching treatments, the new shoot and trunk thickening growth were more under straw mat and horticultural fabric treatments. The four mulching treatments had different effects on nitrate metabolism in summer and autumn soil, but they were able to stabilize the soil nitrate metabolism and transformation. Among the treatments, straw mat had the best stable effect.

Effect of different mulching materials on maize growth and yield in conservation agriculture systems of sub-humid Zimbabwe

The introduction of conservation agriculture (CA) for smallholders increased the competition for crop residues between crop and livestock enterprises of the mixed smallholder farming system. Smallholders practicing CA have resorted to using grass and leaf litter in addition to available crop residues. The effect of these different mulching materials on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield is not well documented in smallholder CA systems of southern Africa. A two-year experiment was run in 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons to evaluate the effect of maize residues, grass (Hyparrhenia filipendula (L.) Stapf.) and leaf litter that farmers are currently using and residues from leguminous species, sunhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) and Tephrosia (Tephrosia vogelii ((Hook) f.)) on maize nitrogen (N) uptake, growth and yield. Significant differences in soil water content across treatments were only observed during March in 2012/13 season. Maize residues retained more soil water and Tephrosia had the lowest soil water content when seasonal rainfall pattern was erratic. Grass and Tephrosia treatments had the lowest chlorophyll content. Conventional ploughing, maize residues and leaf litter had similar chlorophyll content which was significantly higher than grass and Tephrosia treatments. At a site with higher initial soil fertility conventional ploughing treatment out yielded the other treatments by 727–1265 kg ha−1. With more degraded sandy soil conventional practice had 119–430 kg ha−1 more maize grain than the CA treatments. With adequate fertilization, the mulching materials have a similar effect on maize growth in basins and direct seeding. Further studies on different application rates of mulching materials and mineral N fertilizer, and nutrient release patterns of these residues are critical in order to better understand soil fertility management under smallholder CA systems.

Mulching materials improve soil properties and maize growth in the Northwestern Loess Plateau, China

Water deficiency is the main limiting factor for crop growth in rain-fed areas. Mulching can affect the soil microclimate (soil water and temperature) and influence the grain yield of crops. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different mulching materials on soil temperature, soil water, crop growth and yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) in spring maize (Zea mays L.) between 2009 and 2011 in Heyang County, Shaanxi, China. The field experiment used five mulch treatments: polyethylene film (PM), biodegradable polymer film (BM), maize straw (MM), liquid membrane (LM), and an uncovered control (CK). In the early stage of maize growth, the topsoil temperatures (0–10cm) in the PM and BM treatments were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than CK, whereas the soil temperature in the MM treatment was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than CK. The PM, BM, and MM treatments also significantly increased soil water during the early growth stage. However, soil water (0–200cm) in the PM and BM treatments was lower than in the CK treatment during the middle and later growth stages. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in soil temperature or soil water in the LM treatment during the entire growing season. Maize yield increased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in both the PM and BM treatments by 26.1% and 27.5% during the experimental period compared to the CK treatment. Water use efficiency also significantly increased in these two treatments by 25.1% and 27.6%. These results show that both PM and BM had significant effects on soil temperature, water conservation and maize yield, but no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed between these two treatments. Biodegradable polymer film is useful in reducing environmental pollution caused by polyethylene film and could potentially replace polyethylene film during agricultural production in the Northwestern Loess Plateau, China.

Effect of different mulching materials on soil properties and growth in the early stage of maize.

Effect of different mulching materials on soil properties and growth in the early stage of maize.

Increasing Productivity of Malabar Spinach (Basella alba L. and Basella rubra L.) Grown in the Marginal Upland Area of Inopacan, Leyte Through Different Mulching Materials

Basella or malabar spinach locally known as alugbati is a tropical leafy, indigenous vegetable commonly grown for its succulent, nutritious, and tender stems. It has also a number of medicinal applications. Despite its many uses and potential value, its importance is under estimated. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different mulching materials on the growth and yield of two Basella species grown in a rolling soil in the marginal uplands of in Inopacan, Leyte. A factorial experiment was set-up with Alugbati species/varieties as the main plot factor and the different mulching materials as the sub-plot. Treatments were: T0 – control, T1- rice hull, T2 – rice straw and T3 – plastic mulch. Basella alba, the green-stemed alugbati had significantly bigger stems, greater number and heavier shoots than the red-stemed Basella rubra. Leaf spot disease caused by Colletotrichum sp. was more evident in B. rubra. Regardless of the mulching materials used, mulched plants yielded higher than the unmulched plants or those planted in bare soil. Moreover, the use of silver plastic mulch resulted to the highest total yield. The results indicate the high potential of mulching in increasing the yield and thus the profitability of alugbati production.

English

Studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler having seven treatments with three replications in Randomized Block Design during 2010 and 2011. The treatments comprised of paddy straw, wheat straw, dry grass, transparent polyethylene, black polyethylene and no mulch (control). The results revealed that strawberry is very responsive to the different mulching materials. All the treatments improved the vegetative growth, yield and quality of strawberry, but black polythene mulch gave the best results in terms of reducing weed population (1.00/m2), increasing plant height (21.67 cm), plant spread (31.24 cm), number of leaves per plant (18.33), number of flowers per plant (28.33), number of fruits per plant (12.12), number of achenes/fruit (317.70),&nbsp; fruit weight (11.83 g), fruit length (3.93 cm), fruit breadth (3.00 cm), yield (143.38 g/plant), total soluble solids (7.63 0B), total sugars (7.00 %), vitamin-C (57.77 mg/100 g) and crude protein (9.64%). However, higher acidity (0.80%) and achene density/fruit (17.34) was observed in fruits grown without mulch.&nbsp; Key words: Strawberry cv. Chandler, mulching, growth, quality, yield.

Effect of different mulching materials on weed dynamics and yield of direct seeded rice in Chitwan, Nepal

An experiment was carried out at farmers' field to compare the effects of live mulches and herbicide on weed growth and dynamics, yield, and economic performance of direct seeded rice under humid sub-tropical condition at Phulbari, Chitwan in 2009. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of i) control, ii) three hand weeding, iii) herbicide application (bispyribac sodium @ 80 ml/ha) + one hand weeding, iv) wheat straw mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, v) Eupatorium mulch @ 5t/ha + one hand weeding, vi) brown manuring with Sesbania aculeata @ 30 kg/ha, vii) brown manuring with Sesamum indicum @ 2kg/ha, and viii) brown manuring with Crotolaria juncea @ 30 kg/ha. Weed dry matter accumulation was significantly lower with herbicide application (1.15 g/m2) than wheat straw mulch (6.75 g/m2). The treatments with brown manuring and Eupatorium mulch were found to be equally effective in suppressing the weed growth by reducing both dry matter content and weed density. Application of Eupatorium mulch one day after sowing produced significantly higher grain yield (3.5 t/ha) than control (1.77 t/ha), Sesamum brown manuring (2.97 t/ha) and wheat straw mulch (2.83 t/ha). Yield attributes like effective tillers/m2, panicle length and panicle weight were positively correlated with grain yield (r = 0.540, 0.705, 0.531 and 0.613 respectively). The net profit (Rs. 63.17 x 1000/ha) obtained from the treatment with Eupatorium mulch was higher than other tested treatments. Eupatorium mulch and herbicide application recorded equal benefit cost ratio of 2.4. Cultivation of direct seeded rice with the application of Eupatorium mulch or brown manuring (BM) of Sesamum was found effective for increasing yield and net returns in humid subtropical condition of Chitwan. Live mulching could be an eco-friendly weed control options in DSR. The BM option also provides crop residue for the addition of organic matter. This result suggests that BM is a potential alternative of herbicide application. Either mulching with Eupatorium and wheat straw or growing of Sesbania and Crotolaria as BM with rice up to 30 DAS are advisable to increase productivity with reduced cost of production at Chitwan and similar condition. Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 3. 2013, Page 73-81 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v3i0.9008

Effects of mulching materials on agronomic characteristics, pests of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and their natural enemies population

The trial was to study the effect of different mulching materials on agronomic characteristics, pests and their subsequent effect on the natural enemies of the pests of pepper (Capsicum annuum). A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), between December, 2010 and March, 2011. The mulching materials used were (1) straw mulch, (2) plastic mulch and (3) live-mulch of cowpea plant. The experimental field contained fifteen plots using a randomised complete block design in three replications. Parameters measured were pests of Capsicum annuum, some natural enemies of the pests, days to 50% flowering, plant height, plant girth, damage caused and yield assessment which included damaged fruits caused by the pests, number of fruits, fruit weight (in grams), and percentage increase in fruit yield. Plant height was seemingly highest under straw mulched soils. Straw mulch also flowered early as compared to the live-mulch of cowpea and plastic mulch but the margin was narrow. None of the mulches exhibited higher pest suppression ability over the other. However, Straw mulch had apparently larger population of natural enemies than the other treatments. Damaged fruits in the three mulching materials did not differ significantly. Control plot soils had significantly (P<0.05) higher temperatures than the mulched soils. The results indicated that straw mulch enhanced plant height and increased fruit number and percentage yield whilst live-mulch of cowpea and plastic mulch reduced plant height, fruit number and percentage yield. Data generated in this study have shown that cowpea mulch may be more effective in suppressing pest populations of pepper but straw mulch may provide a better refuge for the natural enemies and should be recommended as an integral option for pest management in pepper production. Ad you may be interested in Full-text

Effects of Different Mulching Materials on Soil Water, Temperature, and Corn Growth

The study,with randomized block design,measured the effects of different mulching materials which included biodegradable film(S),plastic film(D),corn straw(J),liquid film(Y) and bare land on soil water,temperature and corn growth in Weibei rainfed tableland,which would be as the basis of mulching cultivation in this area.The results showed that soil moisture in different mulchings showed different characteristics after heading and filling stage of corn,soil average moisture(40-60 cm) of J mulching was evidently(P0.05) higher than that of control treatment and other mulchings;water deprivation of S and D mulchings were improved in the deeper soil layers(60-120 cm).Soil water retention of J mulching was better than that of other treatments,J mulching mainly improved the soil moisture in 0-100 cm layer before heading stage,and in 100-200 cm layer after heading stage;S and D mulchings mainly improved the soil moisture in shallower layer before heading stage.The average soil temperature in 5-25 cm soil layer before heading stage increased 1.4℃,2.6℃ in S and D treatments and brought down 3.0℃,0.8℃ in J and Y treatments respectively.S and D mulchings extended the vegetative growth under the effect of water and temperature increment,and advanced 11 days of whole growing period,while J mulching extended 3 days of growth period,there was no effect on whole growing period in Y mulching.S and D mulchings evidently(P0.05) increased ear length,ear diameter,kernels per row and dry biomass of shoot;Y mulching evidently(P0.05) increased hundred-kernel weight;J mulching evidently(P0.05) decreased ear length,kernels per row and hundred-kernel weight.Four mulchings reduced economical coefficient of corn to a different extent.S,D,and Y mulchings respectively increased yield by 26.9%(P0.05),34.7%(P0.05),and 2.4%,J mulching decreased yield by 10.5%.