Influence Of Mulch Research Articles

Performance of off-season Okra under Protected Structures in Semi-Arid Region

Okra is a staple vegetable in Indian cuisine which is extensively cultivated year-round due to its rich composition of essential minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins and dietary fiber. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the impact of mulching and protective structures on okra cultivation during the winter period (off-season). Consequently, okra seeds were planted in three distinct environments: a Net-cum-poly house equipped with a ridge vent, Net-cum-poly house lacking a ridge vent and an open field. These environments were combined with three different mulch conditions: silver-black plastic mulch, black plastic mulch, and no-mulch. The experiment employed a two-factor large-plot design with four replications. The findings of this study revealed the substantial influence of mulching and protective structures on off-season okra cultivation. Key agronomic parameters, including stem diameter (17.20 mm), plant height (164 cm), internode length (18 cm), the number of fruits per plant (35), fruit weight per plant (367.31gm) and overall fruit yield (19755 kg/ha) exhibited statistically significant improvements in the combination of a Net-cum-poly house without a ridge vent and silver-black plastic mulch. In terms of water management, irrigation volumes delivered under mulched and non-mulched conditions were 387 mm and 446 mm respectively for the open field, while the corresponding figures for the protected environment were 319 mm and 366 mm. The highest water use efficiency was observed 61.97 kg/ha-mm in treatment combination with silver black plastic mulch and Net-cum-poly house without ridge vent. Notably, mulching resulted in a 13.34% reduction in water consumption compared to the non-mulched open field. In the protected environment, water savings reached 28.43% under mulch and 17.76% under no-mulch conditions relative to the non-mulched open field.

Influence of mulches on soil moisture and water infiltration in the tomato crop

Soil moisture is a key parameter of soil monitoring for observation of vegetation growth, predicting crop production, and improving water resource management. In this study, the objective is to compare the evolution of soil moisture in different mulches to determine the best mulch and its characteristics of infiltration in the soil. The experiment was conducted during the summer season in July-September 2022 on four different mulches (wood chips, sawdust, straw, mixture), and control at the experimental plot of Blida. The results showed that silt is the main matrix of the soil. The analysis of infiltration data identified modified Kostiakov as the best model of the study site, whose period of plant growth represents the phase during which we have a better infiltration under the mixture. The application of the mulch changes the moisture mainly at 15 cm and the conductivity at 10 cm. In addition, the mixture is the best mulch to conserve moisture in the soil while reducing the frequency of irrigation. The correlation between soil moisture and conductivity was overall very good. This was due to the effect of mulch, soil texture, plant root development, and capillary rise.

Influence of Mulching and Organic Manure on the Growth and Pod Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November 2020 to March 2021 to study the influence of mulching and organic manure on the growth and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). French bean variety BARI Jharsheem-2 was used as planting material in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor-A: mulch materials (4 levels): M0 = No mulches, M1 = Black polythene, M2 = Rice straw and M3 = Water hyacinth; Factor-B: T0 = No organic manure, T1 = Kitchen compost (5 t ha-1), T2 = Vermicompost (7 t ha-1) and T3 = Kitchen compost + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1 +3.5 t ha-1). In the trial, the M1 (Black Polythene Mulch) treatment outperformed the M0 (No Mulch) treatment in terms of plant morphology and yield and yield attributes. Higher pod yields per hectare were produced by the organic manure T3 (Kitchen compost + Vermicompost) than by the control T0 (no organic manure). The investigation's top treatment combination was identified as M1T3 (black polythene mulch and kitchen compost + vermicompost), which had a 17.55 tha-1 yield potential. At the interaction level between mulching and organic manure, a significant correlation between the yield and yield components was found.

Assessing soil temperature and moisture fluctuations under irrigated banana (Musa spp.) cultivation in response to coconut coir mulch cover

The semiarid is characterized by extreme heat, which affects agricultural production by limiting the soil's ability to retain water. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of mulch on soil temperature and soil moisture in a drip irrigated banana plantation in a Brazilian semiarid region. Six thermocouples and three soil moisture probes were used, with coconut coir as mulch. Daytime and nighttime surface temperatures were compared for two mulch densities (4 and 8 t ha-1) and bare soil. Soil temperature and moisture were measured at three depths (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 m). The study was conducted from November 2014 to March 2015. Mulch had a buffer effect on soil temperature fluctuation. Drip irrigation management associated with mulch provided a uniform moisture profile close to field capacity.

Influence of Mulching and Irrigation scheduling on yield and quality parameter of summer Sunflower in north India (Helianthus annuus L.)

Influence of Mulching and Irrigation scheduling on yield and quality parameter of summer Sunflower in north India (Helianthus annuus L.)

Influence of mulches on yield and quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

The quality of strawberry is highly hampered by improper crop management, which can only be solved by using different types of mulches. It is very rare in literature, where the different types of mulches are used for the quality assessment. To carry out this new strategy to sustain the quality of strawberry the present study was carried out using various kind of mulches viz., white polythene mulch, yellow polythene mulch, black polythene much, green polythene mulch, news-paper mulch, wood husk mulch, serpat grass mulch, red polythene mulch, jute bag mulch comprised of 10 treatments and 3 replications under the randomized block design. The findings revealed that the application of black plastic mulch significantly increased the total number of fruit (12.67), length of fruit (6.21 cm), width of fruit (4.20 cm), weight of fruit (16.30 g), yield plant-1 (200.10g), yield plot-1 (3.20kg), total soluble solids (11.85%), total sugar (8.58%), reducing sugar (7.90%), non-reducing sugar (1.75%) and vitamin C (45.91 mg 100g-1). It is pertinent to infer that the application of the mulches (either black or yellow) performed and better over control.

Influence of mulch and poultry manure application on soil temperature, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency of dry season cultivated okra

Sustainable vegetable production especially during the dry season requires adequate conservation of soil water. This study was conducted to evaluate the sole and interactive effects of mulching (M) and poultry manure (PM) application on soil temperature (ST), crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and water use efficiency (WUE) of okra. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments were M at 0 and 6 t ha−1 and PM at 0, 10 and 20 t ha−1. Soil temperature was measured using digital thermometer while ETc was determined by water depletion method using a Time Domain Reflectometer. Irrigation at field capacity was applied manually at 2-day intervals. Independent application of mulch significantly lowered ST while joint application of 20 t ha−1 PM (PM20) and M significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced ST at 5 cm and 10 cm soil depth compared with the unmulched plots in both seasons. Application of 10 t ha−1 PM (PM10) without M recorded the highest ETc (43.7 mm), while joint application of PM20 and M reduced ETc by about 93% compared with PM10 only. Okra used water most efficiently when PM20 was applied under mulched plot. There was 62.2% increase in WUE under mulched plots compared with the control while the residual effect of PM10 and M significantly increased WUE by 65.5%. It was evident that M alongside application of PM is a good strategy for regulating ST, moderating ETc and increasing okra WUE, especially during dry season farming.

Living Mulch with Subterranean Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) Is Effective for a Sustainable Weed Management in Globe Artichoke as Annual Cropping in Puglia (Southern Italy)

Italy represents the world leading producer of globe artichoke, and Puglia (Southern Italy) supplies about one-third of the nation’s production. In this research, the influence of mulching (both living mulch with subterranean clover and biodegradable mulch film) on both weed infestation and globe artichoke yield in comparison with conventional tillage was evaluated. Two globe artichoke genotypes (Capriccio—hybrid cultivar—and Brindisino—sanitized local variety) were tested in an open field located in Puglia. The following parameters were evaluated: weed infestation, yield and canopy of globe artichoke, and biomass and canopy of subterranean clover. Yield of globe artichoke (on average 16 buds plant−1) was not influenced by soil management although the total weed cover was lower by using conventional tillage. Mean canopy of T. subterraneum was higher under Brindisino (about 65%) in comparison with Capriccio (about 45%). Dry weight was higher in Brindisino (about 12 g m−2) than Capriccio (about 6 m−2) without differences among soil management treatments. Subterranean clover showed a good ability to control weed cover especially under Brindisino genotype (weed infestation always less than 1%) highlighting its particularly suitability for local varieties of globe artichoke instead of hybrid cultivars (weed infestation up to 5%). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest the positive effects of living mulch with subterranean clover for a sustainable weed management in globe artichoke as annual cropping in Puglia.

New Mater-Bi, Biodegradable Mulching Film for Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.): Effects on Film Duration, Crop Yields, Qualitative, and Nutraceutical Traits of Fruits.

In the main strawberry areas of Southern Italy, cultivation is carried out by transplanting plants on raised beds (30–40 cm from ground level), mulched with black polyethylene (PE). This technique has becoming increasingly expensive due to the growing prices of plastic mulches, the cost to remove them at the end of crop cycle, and the difficulty to dispose of black, dirty plastic films. The main objective of this research was the replacement of PE mulch with a new biodegradable mulching film Mater-Bi®-based (Novamont), characterized by an increased permanence in the field designed for long crop life. In 2021, two Mater-Bi-based, black, 18 μm thick mulching films were tested under tunnel: N5 as innovative film and N18 as commercial standard film. Black PE film, 50 μm thick was the control. Strawberry cultivars ‘Sabrina’ and ‘Elide’ were cropped on the three mulching films according to a split plot design with four replications. Harvests lasted from March to June 2021. Cvs Sabrina and Elide yielded around 40 t ha−1, while the mean effect of mulching films did not point out differences between the biodegradable mulches and PE. In 4 out of 12 harvests we analyzed samples of fruits to assess the influence of mulches on the contents of °Brix, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. On average, °Brix was clearly improved in fruits on PE compared to biodegradable films, while all the other qualitative traits resulted in being more dependent on the cultivars and times of sampling effects. Overall, biodegradable mulches are a viable alternative to PE mulch, and the innovative N5 film appeared promising for the enhancement of durability of soil coverage in a long-lasting cycle.

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ELEMENTS ON TEMPERATURE AND SOIL MOISTURE FOR ZUCCHINI GROWING IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE FOREST-STEPPE OF THE RIGHT BANK OF UKRAINE

The results of researches of influence of mulching of soil and water-retaining granules Akvod on temperature and humidity of soil in the conditions of Forest-steppe of right-bank Ukraine are resulted. An increase in soil temperature and humidity was revealed with the use of black agrofiber mulching materials and perforated black polyethylene film, which is 1.3 and 2.6 ° C higher than the variant where soil mulching was not used. When mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film, the soil moisture was 78.1–79.0 %, which is 14.5 and 15.4 % more than the control. The increase in soil moisture against the background of water-retaining granules relative to the control averaged 14.5 %, and with the use of black polyethylene film – 15.4 %. An important indicator in identifying the influence of the studied factors is the yield. The highest yields were found when mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film 91.9 and 102.1 t / ha, which is 17.7 and 27.8 t / ha, respectively, more than the control. It was found that against the background of the introduction of Aquod granules, all the studied options provided a significantly higher yield of zucchini. The largest increase in yield relative to control was provided by the options for mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film, while the yield of marketable products increased by 24.0-34.9 t / ha. The use of mulching materials and water-retaining granules also increased the biometric parameters of zucchini products. The largest number of fruits was observed for mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film 26.3–29.4 pcs / plant. The highest fruit weight was observed for mulching the soil with black agrofiber – 299 g and perforated black polyethylene film – 314 g, which is more than the control of 13–28 g. The diameter of the fruit, depending on the use of mulching materials was in the range of 4.9 – 5.2 cm Thus, for the variety Zolotinka, the diameter of the fruit increased by 0.1 – 0.3 cm during mulching of the soil with different materials. The number of fruits, depending on the mulching material on the background of water-retaining granules in all studied variants was significantly higher. The largest number of fruits was noted for mulching the soil with agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film – 30.6–31.7 pieces / plant. In general, all the studied options provided an increase relative to control. An important indicator that affects the yield is the weight of the fruit. The highest fruit weight was recorded during mulching of the soil with perforated black polyethylene film 317 g, which is 26 g more than the control. Thus, the use of mulching materials on the background of water-retaining granules Akvod promotes more intensive fruit growth.

Influence of mulch on pear production

Influence of mulch on pear production

Assessments of Sweet potato Virus Disease and Influence of Mulching and Organic Insecticide on Sweet Potato Varieties in Kwara State of Nigeria

Assessments of 30 sweet potato farms in three districts of Kwara State of Nigeria were carried out to evaluate the incidence of sweet potato virus disease (SPVD). A serological study by Antigen-coated plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ACP-ELISA) was set up to assay six viruses on sweet potato samples. A field experiment to appraise the influence of variety, mulch and organic insecticide on virus incidence was performed on two genetically improved sweet potato varieties. The surveys revealed the occurrence of SPVD in all locations with incidence from 2.6% in Oyun (Kwara Central district) to 39.1% in Agbamu (Kwara South district). The serology test confirmed the predominance of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) correspondingly as 100% and 30% respectively in the study. The field experiment indicated lower virus disease incidence (15.3%) and increased numbers in storage roots (7.5/plant) and weight of storage roots (32.4 kg/plant) in Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato variety, mulched with organic insecticidal treatment. This is the first authentication of the occurrence and prevalence of sweet potato virus disease in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study recommends Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato variety, mulching with guinea corn stalk and organic insecticide application for sustainable management of SPVD, particularly for resource-poor farmers.

INFLUENCE OF SOIL MULCHING ON YIELD AND DYNAMICS OF ZUCCHINI FRUIT FORMATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT-RIVER FOREST STEPPE

The results of researches on studying of influence of mulching of soil on formation of a crop of plants of a zucchini in the conditions of the Right - bank Forest - steppe are resulted. The dependence of the phases of growth and development of zucchini plants, the dynamics of fruiting and yield in general on the type of mulching material was revealed. The use of synthetic mulching materials helped to reduce the interphase periods, increase yields and the percentage of early and late harvest. Mulching materials of organic origin extended the interphase periods. Thus, the shorter germination period - the beginning of fruit formation was by mulching the soil with perforated black polyethylene film and black agrofiber, which is 5-8 days shorter than the control, respectively. The longest harvest of zucchini was carried out on options for mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film, depending on the variety, the duration of fruiting ranged from 67-85 days with the value of this indicator in the control 72-77 days. The highest yield was obtained by mulching the soil with perforated black polyethylene film, where the increase relative to the control was 10.9 - 28.0 t / ha, respectively. The highest percentage of harvested early products was provided by options for mulching the soil with black agrofiber and perforated black polyethylene film at the level of 6.6-8.3% in 2016 (control - 0.8-4.1%) and 3.2-5, 0% in 2018, while in the control versions the collection started a decade later. The most intensive fruiting of zucchini was observed from the first decade of July to the first decade of August for all years of research.

The influence of citrus orchard age on the ecology of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes

ABSTRACT A three-year survey of the ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) was undertaken on soils from citrus orchards of different ages to determine the influence of orchard age on the ecology of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes. The influence of mulch and irrigation method on the occurrence of EPN and EPF was also determined. Most of the isolates recovered (n = 810) were Beauveria sp. (87.88% of all isolates), followed by Metarhizium sp. (11.87% of all isolates). Only 0.24% of soil samples collected during this study tested positive for EPN. All EPN isolates recovered were Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. No significant differences in EPF occurrence were recorded between orchards under drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation. EPF occurrence was significantly lower (P = 0.016) in orchards covered by mulch (31.85% ± 2.07% occurrence) than in orchards with no covering (38.57% ± 1.57% occurrence). EPF occurrence of 40.33 ± 2.13% was highest in non-bearing orchards, followed by mature orchards (nine years or older) (36.76 ± 2.05% of samples) with the lowest EPF occurrence of 25.30 ± 2.02% reported in juvenile orchards (four to eight years old). Juvenile orchards sustain significantly less EPF than mature and non-bearing orchards because of the combined negative impact of less favourable environmental conditions (lower shade density) and fungicide applications.

Doses of organic residues in soil mulch influence productivity and profitability of Peruvian carrot

espanolRESUMEN El acolchado de residuos organicos al suelo es una practica recomendada para la produccion de arracacha. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la productividad agroeconomica de un cultivo de arracacha en suelos cubiertos con diferentes dosis (0, 5, 10, 15 y 20 t ha-1) y tipos de residuos de camas avicolas. (Aserrin de madera y cascaras de arroz). El diseno experimental fue un factorial de 5 × 2, con diez tratamientos, en un diseno de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. El tratamiento con 16 t ha-1 de cama de aves con aserrin obtuvo la mayor productividad de brotes y raices. El numero maximo de brotes fue de 649,500 ha-1 y 651,560 ha-1, con 12,48 t ha-1 y 9,20 t ha-1 de cama de aves con aserrin y cascaras de arroz, respectivamente. El numero maximo de raices comercializables se obtuvo utilizando 11,77 t ha-1 y 12,21 t ha-1 de cama de aves con aserrin de madera y cascaras de arroz, respectivamente. Los costos por hectarea variaron en R$ 3.233,55 entre el costo mas bajo y el mas alto. Los resultados sugieren que la mayor productividad de raices comercializables de zanahorias blancas se obtuvo con 16 t ha-1 de cama de aves con aserrin y los mayores ingresos brutos y netos fueron con 15 t ha-1 de cama de aves con aserrin de madera. EnglishABSTRACT Organic residue addition to soil is a recommended practice for arracacia production. This study was aimed at analyzing the agroeconomic productivity of arracacia cultivated with different doses (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 Mg ha−1) and residue types in broiler manure (sawdust and rice hulls). From the arrangement in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, ten treatments resulted, in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The highest leaf mass production was obtained with 11,2 Mg ha−1 of broiler manure. The use of broiler manure containing sawdust at 16 Mg ha−1 resulted in the highest shoot and root productivities. The maximum numbers of shoots were 649.500 ha−1 and 651.560 ha−1, with 12,48 Mg ha−1 and 9,20 Mg ha−1 of broiler manure containing sawdust and rice hulls, respectively. The maximum number of marketable roots was obtained by using 11,77 Mg ha−1 and 12,21 Mg ha−1 of broiler manure containing sawdust and rice hulls, respectively. The costs per hectare varied by R$ 3.233,55 between the lowest and highest costs. It was concluded that the highest productivity of marketable arracacia roots was obtained with 16 Mg ha−1 of broiler manure containing sawdust. The highest gross and net incomes were obtained with 15 Mg ha−1 of broiler manure containing sawdust.

Influence of mulch C/N ratio and decomposition stage on plant N uptake and N availability in soil with or without wheat straw

AbstractMulches can improve soil properties, but little is known about nutrient availability in mulched soil that contains plant residues and the effect of mulching with manures. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mulching with high or low C/N organic materials, in which low C/N materials differed in decomposability, and the presence of wheat straw in the soil on plant growth and N uptake, soil N availability and microbial biomass N within about four months after mulching. Three organic materials were used: mature wheat straw (W, C/N 80), young faba bean shoots (FB, C/N 7), and sheep manure (SM, C/N 8). There were eight treatments differing in amendment methods (mulching or mixing with W or both) and mulching materials (W, FB or SM). Treatments that were only mulched with W, FB or SM are referred to as m‐treatments. In m/s‐treatments, after W was mixed into the soil, W, FB or SM were placed on the soil surface as mulch. Two other treatments included an unamended control and soil mixed with W. Wheat was planted 0, 35 or 70 days after mulching (referred to as 0, 35, and 70 DAM) and grown for 35 days. Faba bean mulch increased shoot dry weight, shoot N uptake and available N compared to wheat or sheep manure mulch, particularly in the m‐treatments. Shoot dry weight was higher in m‐treatments than corresponding m/s‐treatments with the same mulch type. Shoot N uptake was higher in 70 DAM than in 0 DAM in all treatments and 0.3 to three‐fold higher in m‐treatments than the corresponding m/s‐treatments. Microbial biomass N was higher in 0 DAM than in 35 and 70 DAM in most treatments and up to two‐fold higher in m/s‐treatments than the corresponding m‐treatments. Available N in m/s‐treatments was two to six‐fold higher than m‐treatments in 0 DAM, but differed little in older mulch ages of W and SM. It can be concluded that compared to soil with only mulch, mixing of wheat straw into soil reduced plant growth and N uptake, particularly in the early stages of mulching (0 and 35 DAM). However, the presence of wheat in mulched soil may provide a longer lasting source of N for plants and reduce the risk of N leaching from rapidly decomposing low C/N mulch due to greater microbial biomass N uptake than only soil with mulch.

Crop Mulches for Increased Weed Control and Rice Productivity

A study was conducted to determine the influence of mulches of rice (R), maize (Mz), mucuna (Mc) and cymbopogon (C) on weed growth and rice yield. Twelve mulch treatments included MzRC, RMcC, MzMC, MzRMc, MzRC + one hand rogueing of weeds (hr), RMcC + hr, MzMcC + hr, MzRMc + hr, MzRC + one hand hoeing of weeds (hh), RMcC + hh, MzMcC + hh and MzRMc + hh, 2hh, 3hh, Butanil +1hh and a weedy check in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The study was conducted both on-station and on-farm (2014). CMcRMz species were each planted in 24 plots under a RCBD replicated thrice and 3 crops uprooted from the plots were combined in equal proportions of different stover into four mulches (MzRC, RMcC, MzMcC & MzRMc). The experimental site was ploughed, divided into 48 plots under RCBD replicated thrice and the mixed mulches were applied (10-12.Mt ha-1) to 12 plots at planting. Higher rice growth was recorded under MzMc than RC mulches with or without a post mulch weed control. RC based mulches most effectively reduced weed density and biomass followed by MzMc mulches. 2hh and MzRMc mulch + 1hr produced similar rice yield but lower rice yield was under RMcC and Butanil + 1hh. Rice growth and tiller development reduced under the weedy check giving zero yields. The highest Striga was under Butanil + 1hh (8 Striga), followed by 3hh and 2hh (3 & 2 Striga). No Striga was recorded under cymbopogon mulches and weedy check. The highest returns on investment (ROI) were under 2hh (0.52 & 0.43) at the two sites and MzRMc + hr recorded high ROI (0.47) on station, similar to 3hh on-farm. Maize, rice, cymbopogon and mucuna have high potential to produce bio-herbicides with high rice yields.

Influence of Mulching and Planting Geometry on Seed Quality and Ripe Fruit Rot Incidence of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Influence of Mulching and Planting Geometry on Seed Quality and Ripe Fruit Rot Incidence of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Influence of Plastic Mulching on Soil Moisture, Nutrient and Microbial Biomass in Pineapple Cultivation on Undulating Hilly Areas of Nagaland

The pineapple var. Kew was planted on black polythene film mulching with double hedgerow planting to find out the influence of mulches on soil and plant. The soil samples were collected twice (kharif and rabi) at two different depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm), and the pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, basal respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed. The data revealed that soil organic carbon and available N, P, and K content were slightly higher in the bottom hill than the top hill. The mulched field had higher nutrients than the non-mulched field. The fertility level varied slightly between the seasons. The biological parameters (microbial biomass carbon) were observed to be significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the bottom hill in both the seasons than the non-mulched field. The soil moisture content ranged from 5.9 % in March to 24.24 % August in the bottom hill (15-30 cm depth). The moisture content in the non-mulched field was lower than the mulched field.

Influence of Plastic Mulching on Soil Moisture, Nutrient and Microbial Biomass in Pineapple Cultivation on Undulating Hilly Areas of Nagaland

The pineapple var. Kew was planted on black polythene film mulching with double hedgerow planting to find out the influence of mulches on soil and plant. The soil samples were collected twice (kharif and rabi) at two different depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm), and the pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, basal respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed. The data revealed that soil organic carbon and available N, P, and K content were slightly higher in the bottom hill than the top hill. The mulched field had higher nutrients than the non-mulched field. The fertility level varied slightly between the seasons. The biological parameters (microbial biomass carbon) were observed to be significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the bottom hill in both the seasons than the non-mulched field. The soil moisture content ranged from 5.9 % in March to 24.24 % August in the bottom hill (15-30 cm depth). The moisture content in the non-mulched field was lower than the mulched field.