Mulch Application Research Articles

IoT- enabled crop waste mulching machine for sustainable farming: perspective of circular economy

Abstract A large amount of crop waste is generated after crop harvesting. A substantial quantity of waste on the farm is burnt to clear the field, contributing to environmental harm and global warming. The study aims to develop a technological solution for crop waste management (CWM) by designing and developing an IoT-enabled crop waste mulching machine. This initiative addresses the environmental and health issues caused by burning crop waste on farms. The research involves designing and developing an IoT-enabled mulching machine that can be attached to the back side of a tractor. The machine consists of power-transmitting elements, supports, and mechanisms to distribute mulching material evenly onto the plant bed. It incorporates advanced IoT load cell sensors, soil moisture sensors, and proximity sensors to optimize the mulching process based on soil moisture content and to prevent machinery blockages. The IoT-enabled mulching machine effectively manages crop waste by utilizing it in mulch, thus preventing the harmful practice of burning waste. This machine ensures a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly approach to mulching, offering significant improvements over traditional manual mulching methods.
The novelty of this research lies in integrating IoT technologies within mulching machine. The mulching machine uses sensors to automate and optimize the mulching process, representing a significant technological advancement over conventional methods. The study offers practical benefits by reducing labour requirements, minimizing the risk of injuries, and ensuring a more uniform mulch application. This technology facilitates more sustainable farming practices, aligning with global sustainability goals. The study can potentially revolutionize the agricultural equipment manufacturing industry (AEMI) by shifting the focus toward environmental sustainability. It promotes replacing plastic film mulching machines with more eco-friendly crop waste mulching solutions. This technology has the potential to reduce air pollution, carbon emissions, and mitigate climate. It also enhances soil health through better mulching practices.

Impact of organic mulch and exposure to shallow groundwater levels on Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in a tropical wetland, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Agricultural land in Indonesia is decreasing due to its conversion for various non-agricultural interests, which are economically more profitable. The remaining land available for agricultural activities is a suboptimal wetland. The reduction in cultivable areas has led to the evaluation of alternative crops in suboptimal land conditions. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a fast-growing perennial plant, its leaves are edible and rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. However, the chaya plant has not been intensively tested for its adaptation to shallow groundwater tables in tropical lowlands. This study aimed to assess chaya’s adaptability to shallow groundwater table conditions and the benefits of using organic mulch. This research consisted of two separate parts, one part was related to organic mulch benefits (planting media without watering, with organic mulch but not watered, and with organic mulch and watering), while the other one was related to shallow groundwater table tolerance. The study followed a randomized complete block design consisting of three replications. Results showed that chaya plants negatively responded to the shallow groundwater table conditions. Growth retardation due to shallow groundwater levels is reflected in the averages of leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, canopy diameter, and canopy area; fresh and dry weight of stem, petiole, and leaf blade; development of roots; SPAD value at 7 weeks after transplanting and it was based on visual appearance. However, despite the increase in substrate humidity due to the application of organic mulch, the effects were not significant on most of the measured morphological traits. In conclusion, chaya plants are not able to adapt to shallow groundwater levels and do not require organic mulch on the soil surface.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.

Effect of detrital subsidy on the Collembola community structure in winter wheat agroecosystems

Mulch is widely used for improving soil quality and maintaining crop productivity. The effects of mulch use in agroecosystems can be assessed by the state of the soil biota. Springtails (Collembola) are a representative group of soil animals in agroecosystems that survive well under agricultural field conditions. We assessed the effect of adding a detrital subsidy with different carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) on springtails in a 4-year series of field experiments in winter wheat agroecosystems located in two agroecological zones (broad-leaved forest and steppe). The mulch effect depended on weather conditions. In dry years, the addition of mulch led to an increase in the proportion of epedaphic (upper-litter dwellers) springtails in the broad-leaved forest zone and to an increase in the proportion of atmobiotic forms (mostly inhabiting macrophytes) in the steppe zone. These changes begin to manifest approximately 1.5 months after the detrital subsidy addition. In general, mulch application had a positive and stabilizing effect on the springtail community structure in winter wheat agroecosystems, regardless of the agroecological zone. Our study showed that the addition of detrital subsidy helps to increase the abundance and stabilize the diversity of the springtail community. Changes observed in the structure of the Collembola community can be an indicator of improved soil health, and springtails can be used in assessing the effectiveness of agricultural practices.

The application of organic mulch and chicken manure for improving soil water availability and yield of turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val) in an Inceptisol of Jambi, Indonesia

Turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val) is one of the agricultural commodities being developed by the Jambi Province of Indonesia. However, despite the high value of turmeric, its productivity in Jambi Province is low. This is because the crop is mostly cultivated in marginal lands dominated by Inceptisol, which has low fertility and low water availability. Organic mulch and chicken manure have the potential to be used to improve soil water availability and crop yield. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of organic mulch cover and chicken manure on soil water availability and turmeric yield. The treatments tested were combinations of various percentages of organic mulch cover (30%, 60%, and 90%, and chicken manure dosage (0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1). The twelve treatment combinations were arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that the combination of the percentage of organic mulch cover and chicken manure dosage affected soil organic matter content, soil bulk density, soil pore size distribution, soil water availability, and turmeric yield. The application of 30% cover of organic mulch and 10 t ha-1 of chicken manure was found to be the best combination to improve soil available water and turmeric yield. The regression analysis results showed that soil bulk density, organic carbon, fast-drainage pores, and slow-drainage pores simultaneously affected the soil water content, with an R2 value of 0.85. The results of this study proved that soil available water is also closely correlated with turmeric yield.

Agricultural plastic pollution reduces soil function even under best management practices.

Soil plastic contamination is considered a threat to environmental health and food security. Plastic films-which are widely used as soil mulches-are the largest single source of agricultural plastic pollution. Growing evidence indicates that high concentrations of plastic negatively affect critical soil functions. However, the relationships between agricultural plastic accumulation and its biogeochemical consequences in regions with relatively low levels of soil plastic pollution remain poorly characterized. We sampled farms across the California Central Coast (a region of global agricultural importance with extensive plastic mulch-based production) to assess the degree and biogeochemical consequences of plastic pollution in fields subject to "best practice" plastic mulching application and removal practices over multiple years. All farms exhibited surface soil plastic contamination, macroplastic positively correlated with microplastic contamination levels, and macroplastic accumulation was negatively correlated with soil moisture, microbial activity, available phosphate, and soil carbon pool size. These effects occurred at less than 10% of the contamination levels reported to degrade field soils, but were relatively subtle, with no detectable relationship to microplastic concentration. Identifying declines in soil quality with low levels of macroplastic fragment accumulation suggests that we must improve best management plasticulture practices to limit the threat to soil health and agricultural productivity of unabated plastic accumulation.

Impact of polyvinyl alcohol application and wheat straw mulching on soil loss and infiltration rate in semi-arid tropics

A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, with the aim of monitoring soil loss and infiltration rate in loamy sand soil. The study focused on the effects of applying polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and mulch under simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup involved testing three levels of PVA (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%), one level of wheat-straw mulch (600 g/m2), and a Control treatment (untreated soil). Each of these treatments was replicated four times. The lowest soil loss (20.9 g/m2) was recorded under the 1.0% PVA treatment, while the highest (120.1 g/m2) was seen under the 0.5% PVA treatment. The 1.0% PVA treatment showed a significant reduction in soil loss compared to the 0.5% PVA, 0.75% PVA, mulch, and Control treatments, with reductions of approximately 82.6%, 45.1%, 81.2%, and 89.6%, respectively. Regarding infiltration rates, the Control treatment exhibited the lowest rate (2.4 cm/h), while the 1.0% PVA treatment displayed the highest rate (9.6 cm/h). Additionally, the use of mulch led to a 44.7% reduction in soil loss compared to the treatment without mulch, likely due to the mitigated impact of raindrops. The infiltration rate was significantly higher (4.8 cm/h) under the mulched treatment compared to the unmulched treatment (2.4 cm/h). Overall, the application of PVA and mulch resulted in a drastic reduction in soil loss, likely attributable to the enhanced stability of soil aggregates, improved infiltration rate, and reduced runoff.

Effect of irrigation levels, crop geometry and mulching on yield, economics and water use efficiency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown under drip system in Western Rajasthan, India

A study was carried out at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, during the rabi seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 to investigate the effects of irrigation levels, crop geometry, and mulch on yield parameters, yield, economics, and water use efficiency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Findings showed that the irrigation level of 0.8 ETc considerably increased the yield parameters of fennel, including seed (1684 kg ha-1) and stover yield (3110 kg ha-1), net return (103149 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.58). At 0.6 ETc, a maximum water use efficiency of 5.48 kg ha-1 mm-1 was observed. 40 cm x 60 cm paired row planting produced significantly superior yield parameters, seed yield, and water use efficiency. Results further revealed that the application of plastic mulch considerably improved yield parameters, yield, net return, and benefit: cost ratio as compared to no mulch treatment. However, test weight and harvest index were not influenced by plastic mulch. Thus, in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan, integrated use of drip irrigation at 0.8 ETc and plastic mulch under paired row sowing of 40 cm x 60 cm proved more viable for ensuring higher productivity of rabi fennel.

Differentiated In-Row Soil Management in a High-Density Olive Orchard: Effects on Weed Control, Tree Growth and Yield, and Economic and Environmental Sustainability

Two different in-row soil management techniques were compared in the Olive Orchard Innovation Long-term experiment of the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit, and Citrus Crops in Rome, Italy. Rows were managed with an in-row rotary tiller and with synthetic mulching using permeable polypropylene placed after cultivar Maurino olive trees planting. The effects of the two treatments were assessed through weed soil coverage and the growth of the olive trees. Results showed better agronomic performance associated with synthetic mulching. The weed control effect along the row of a young high-density olive orchard was higher with the synthetic mulching compared to hoeing. The effect of the synthetic mulching seemed to disappear when removed from the ground (spring 2023) since no significant differences were found for tree size and yield in the two tested in-row soil management systems at the end of 2023. Finally, the growth of the young olive trees (Trunk Cross Sectional Area, Height, and Canopy expansion) measured across the three years, was higher for the synthetic mulched row than the hoed one. The use of synthetic mulching along the row positively forced the vegetative growth of the young olive trees and anticipated the onset of fruit production compared to periodical hoeing: a significantly higher fruit production was registered three years after planting. Root diameter was higher under synthetic mulching one year after planting, and no differences were observed in the following sampling dates showing similar fluctuations linked to the seasonal growth pattern. The life cycle assessment and costing highlighted that the application of mulching had a higher eco- and economic-efficiency than the periodical in-row soil hoeing.

Effects of Mulching and Flaming on Weed Control and Almond Growth in a Newly Established Almond Orchard

This study was conducted in a newly established (2-year-old) almond orchard to investigate the effects of five different mulching materials (woven and nonwoven fabric, black and white polyethylene, almond shell) and flame treatments applied at two different frequencies (FL20 and FL30) on weed control and almond growth compared with those of conventional herbicide (glyphosate) application and weedy control. Thus, this study included nine different treatments. The impacts of these treatments on weed density and coverage were periodically monitored. Additionally, the biomass of the weeds was measured at the end of the season to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Because the almond orchard was not yet in the economic fruit-bearing stage, the effects of the treatments were examined in terms of parameters that characterize almond growth, such as plant height, trunk diameter, shoot length, and shoot thickness. The chlorophyll content and water potential values of the trees were also determined. The results of this two-season study indicated that synthetic mulches provided the best outcomes in terms of weed control and almond growth. No weed emergence was observed throughout the season in any of the synthetic mulch treatments. Although almond shells used as organic mulch were highly effective for blocking sunlight, they failed to prevent the growth of some vigorously growing perennials such as Cynodon dactylon and Sorghum halepense that emerged from gaps. Flame treatments demonstrated rapid and effective results; however, they were less successful against the aforementioned monocot perennial weeds and required frequent repetition because of the lack of residual effects. Glyphosate, an herbicide that is commonly used in conventional orcharding, was applied five times throughout the experiment and proved effective weed management compared with that of the weedy control. However, considering the increasing herbicide resistance, environmental and health issues, and growing interest in organic almond cultivation, synthetic mulch applications have emerged as good options. Despite the initially higher establishment costs, synthetic mulches effectively controlled weeds and reduced water stress, thereby promoting almond tree growth.

Honeycomb porous regenerated cellulose aerogel films with enhanced thermal dissipation for agricultural mulch application

Agricultural films, essential to contemporary agricultural production, are mostly made from non-biodegradable petroleum-based materials. The use of such films, especially in high-temperature environments, contributes to elevated internal temperatures in direct sunlight, adversely affecting crop appearance and quality. In this work, rice straw was used as the raw material to prepare biodegradable chemically crosslinked regenerated cellulose aerogel films (RCAF-CC) by combining physical dissolution regeneration, chemical cross-linking, and freeze-drying. The resulting RCAF-CC is notable for its high middle-infrared emissivity and high solar reflectivity, which significantly aid in thermal dissipation for agricultural mulch by enhancing infrared radiation and solar reflection. Compared to traditional polyethylene films, RCAF-CC, with its superior radiative cooling properties and lower water vapor transport rate, has a significant advantage in the growth trend and survival rate of cherry radishes. It is worth noting that the RCAF-CC achieved the degradation rate of 74.4 % in the 100-day soil burial experiment, and the soybean seeds grown in the degraded soil grew well, showing excellent eco-friendliness. These results show that RCAF-CC can be an alternative source of traditional agricultural films, solving the problems of non-biodegradable and high internal temperatures of the films under direct sunlight.

Survival and plasticity in Acacia saligna growth across Contrasting management practices and growing niches

Reforestation and afforestation either through natural regeneration, tree planting or both methods have been globally promoted to motivate ecological restoration of degraded lands and to improve livelihoods. However, moisture stress and infertile soils limit the survival and growth of trees planted for restoration in drier areas. Hence, understanding the factors that determine the restoration success of drylands through tree planting is critical. We conducted a factorial experiment in Tigray, Ethiopia to evaluate the survival, growth performance and biomass of planted seedlings of the multipurpose agroforestry tree species Acacia saligna over 24 months. The treatments were application of watering (W), mulching (M) and compost (C) separately and in combinations (WM, WMC). We established experimental plots on farmland and on a nearby hillside-exclosure to examine the role of planting niches on seedling performance. Seedlings treated with watering, mulching, and compost (WMC) revealed significantly greater height, root collar diameter (RCD), and dry biomass compared to the other treatments. Seedlings planted in farmland showed significantly greater height, RCD, and total dry biomass compared to those planted at the hillside-exclosure. Although the survival rate was slightly higher in farmland, we also found sufficient survival rates in the hillside-exclosures. Therefore, post-planting care and activities including mulching, watering and fertilization are crucial to enhance the survival and growth performance of A. saligna or other tree species so that efforts in reversing land degradation and restoration of drylands will be successful.

The efficiency of different mulch types and dose applications on runoff, soil, and nutrient losses under simulated rainfall

AbstractMulching is one of the best management practices used in soil and water conservation studies. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different mulch types and doses on runoff coefficient (Rc), soil loss (Er), sediment concentration (Sc), time to ponding (tp), runoff generation time (tr), percolated (pw) and retained (rw) water and total losses of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+), total nitrogen (TN), phosphate‐phosphorus (PO43−), and total organic carbon (TOC) under simulated rainfall in the laboratory. Three different mulch materials (dry weed, peanut hay, and wheat straw) were applied at four different doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha) on the experimental plots. A simulated rainfall intensity of 97 mm/s was applied for an hour. All mulch types and doses reduced Rc, and the most effective reduction was found in 2 t/ha dry weed mulch applied plots. The most effective application for reducing soil loss was 6 t/ha peanut hay mulch. The most effective application for delaying the ponding time and runoff generation time was the 4 t/ha application of wheat straw mulch. The highest pw and rw were found in 6 t/ha and 4 t/ha doses of dry weed mulch applications, respectively. The most effective application for reducing NH4+ losses was found in 4 t/ha wheat straw application plots. The most effective mulch type and dose for reducing NO3− loss was 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch. The lowest TN loss was found in the plots where 6 t/ha of peanut hay mulch was applied. In terms of PO43− losses, the lowest loss was in 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch plots. The lowest TOC loss was at 4 t/ha of straw mulch applications. Mulching can be a good natural‐based solution for reducing soil, water, and nutrient loss. However, different mulch types and doses should be tested for different environmental conditions to determine the most cost‐effective mulch type and dose.

Development of a Biodegradable Ternary Blend of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Polyhydroxybutyrate Functionalized with Triacetin for Agricultural Mulch Applications.

The development of biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the nontoxic and biodegradable polymers that can be used as mulching film. However, a major drawback of PVA is its moisture sensitivity, which limits its applications. In this study, a biocomposite based on PVA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), plasticized with triacetin, was developed by solvent casting method. The biocomposite film exhibited good mechanical properties, better integrity, reduced transmittance, and light-blocking properties, which can prevent weed growth. Additionally, an improvement in surface characteristics was observed, as demonstrated by the shift in contact angle from 44 to 99° and a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 4.82 to 2.31 g/h m2. For agronomic application, the developed films were experimentally applied as mulch for maize plants in pots. The results were positive, showing that the mulches effectively supported the growth of the maize plants. Further, signs of initial degradation were observed after 5 days, and the film reached a degradation level of 50-55% after 30 days under natural conditions. Thus, this work has provided new insights for expanding the application range of PVA films in biobased mulching materials.

Response of Growth and Yield of Samhong King Curly Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea L.) to Land Tillage and Differences in Mulch Application

Land processing intensively and over an extended period can lead to a decline in cultivated land quality, resulting in suboptimal plant growth. The utilization of mulch is anticipated to enhance soil quality, enabling mustard plants to thrive and yield effectively. This study investigates the most effective type of mulch in conjunction with land tillage to maximize the growth and productivity of Samhong King curly mustard greens. The experiment was conducted at the Mapena Agricultural and Livestock Polytechnic experimental garden from November 2023 to March 2024. A factorial (3x2) experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with four blocks. The first factor, mulch type, comprised three levels: straw, silver-black, and no mulch. On the other hand, the second factor, land tillage, consisted of two levels: tillage and no-tillage. Observations encompassed growth parameters, harvest variables, and environmental factors. The data underwent statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey's statistic calculated at a significance level of 5%. The findings revealed that the combination of tillage with silver-black mulch application facilitated superior growth and yield of curly mustard greens compared to the application of straw mulch or no mulch with tillage and no-tillage.

Impact of rice straw mulching on water consumption and productivity of orange trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]

Due to the adverse effect of global climate change on agricultural water management, maintaining soil moisture in the root zone is essential for optimal crop productivity. For effective irrigation, we used organic mulching to increase the yield and water productivity (WP) of Valencia orange in arid/desert climates. Here, the effect of rice straw mulching and irrigation rates [100, 85, and 70% of evapotranspiration reference (ETc)] on nutrient contents, quality, and yield of orange trees was evaluated. Under field conditions, the application of straw mulch significantly increased the concentration of some essential elements and photosynthetic pigments but reduced proline contents in orange leaves. Soil mulching significantly increased fruit and inflorescence retention, and resulted in a higher number and weight of fruit on branches, without compromising their taste or texture, compared to the treatment without mulching. Both irrigation and mulching also affected crop productivity and water use efficiency (WUE). This was evident when yield/fed increased by 22.7–23.8, 20.7–31.5, and 6.2–16.9% under mulching at 100, 85, and 70% ETc, respectively, compared to traditional conditions at 100% ETc without mulch. Although the maximum WUE under rice straw mulch was 5.72–5.84 kg/m3 at 70% ETc, it was 5.31–5.40, and 4.57–4.64 kg/m3 at 85, and 100% ETc, respectively. Organic mulching showed superior results with respect to increasing yields and WP, while saving 15.4% water and comparable benefit/cost with the traditional irrigation when orange trees were irrigated with 85% ETc. Together, this study could be a promising strategy for climate change adaptation and sustainable water management.

Lead and cadmium content in soil, oil palm fiber, and palm kernel in the oil palm plantation with mulch application

Solid waste in palm oil mills is waste that has the potential to have a negative impact on the environment if not used properly. One of the solid wastes from palm oil mills is empty fruit bunche (EFB) which can be used as mulch on oil palm land. The mulch and inorganic fertilizer used can contain heavy metals, such as Pb and Cd. This study was aimed to assess the heavy metal content of Pb and Cd in the soil, fibers and kernels of oil palm fruit. This study evaluated the Pb and Cd content in the soil at depths of 0 – 20 cm and 20 – 40 cm, palm fiber and palm kernel. The results showed of the study showed that the Pb and Cd content of soil on land applied with inorganic fertilizer was greater than the Pb and Cd content of soil on land applied with mulch, where on land applied with mulch the level of Pb contamination was in the very slightly contaminated category, while Cd was in the quite polluted category, and inorganic fertilizer land is heavily polluted. On land where mulch was applied, the Pb and Cd content of fiber and kernel was smaller than the Pb and Cd content of fiber and kernel on land where inorganic fertilizer was applied.

Physiological characterization and bioactive compounds of promising accessions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in the Peruvian Amazon

Cowpea production in the Peruvian Amazon is increasing due to its ability to adapt to diverse environments, its contribution to soil conservation, and its versatility of uses. This crop is particularly valuable in human nutrition due to its high nutritional quality and nutraceutical properties of its bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiology of cowpea plants in accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, under the influence of rice husk mulch, screw tree litter, and oil palm fiber, as well as to determine the bioactive compounds present in the grains. This study aims to promote sustainable cowpea production, expose the nutritional aspects of the grains, and foster their consumption both locally and nationally. The experiment was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023, in Yurimaguas, Loreto, Peru. The application of organic mulches demonstrates a significantly positive impact on the growth of cowpea accessions during their vegetative phase. This effect is possibly attributed to increased water availability, as the mulch reduces soil evaporation. In particular, cowpea accessions PER12645 and PER1005851 exhibit desirable physiological characteristics for grain production, with short cycles of 71 days and higher yields of 1141 and 1125 kg/ha respectively. In contrast, accession PER1005854 is distinguished by its higher biomass production, reaching a value of 14497 kg/ha, a relevant trait for foliage production and its contribution to soil conservation. The bioactive compounds, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, present in the accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, are similar to those found in other legumes. However, the antioxidant activity of dark tegument cowpeas proved to be superior, particularly highlighted in accession PER12645 (black tegument) with 26.3 μmolTG/g, and in accession PER1005854 (dark red tegument) with 19.5 μmolTG/g. This characteristic is particularly important for consumption, as it is related to the ability to combat oxidative stress in the human body.

Modelling the impact of different irrigation regimes and mulching on strawberry crop growth and water use in the arsenic-contaminated Bengal basin

Replacement of water-intensive winter rice with strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) may restrict groundwater extraction and improve water productivity and sustainability of agricultural production in the arsenic-contaminated Bengal basin. The potential of strawberry cultivation in terms of yield obtained and water use efficiency need to be evaluated under predominant soil types with mulch applications. Water-driven model AquaCrop was used to predict the canopy cover, soil water storage and above-ground biomass of strawberry in an arsenic-contaminated area in the Bengal basin. After successful calibration and validation over three seasons, AquaCrop was used over a range of management scenarios (nine drip-irrigation × three soil types × four mulch materials) to identify the best irrigation options for a drip-irrigated strawberry crop. The most appropriate irrigation of 176 mm for clay loam soil in lowland and 189 mm for sandy clay loam in medium land rice areas and the use of organic mulch from locally available jute agrotextile improved 1.4 times higher yield and 1.7 times higher water productivity than that of without mulch. Strawberry can be introduced as an alternative crop replacing rice in non-traditional upland and medium land areas of the arsenic-contaminated Bengal basin with 88% lower groundwater extraction load and better economic return to farmers.

Comparison of Straw Mulching and Herbicide Levels for Control of Various Weed Species in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Weed management in maize is one of biggest concerns for growers. To reduce dependence on chemicals and chances of herbicide resistant weeds, and to improve soil status, thus straw mulching was added as cultural component with chemicals for improving weed management in maize. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur) during kharif season to find out the influence of different paddy straw mulch and herbicides for control of various weeds species in maize. The results showed that application of paddy straw mulch 6.25 t/ha effectively controlled Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Commelina benghalensis, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Portulaca oleracea, Phyllanthus niruri, Euphorbia hirta, Conyza stricta and Cyperus compressus over no mulching. In addition to above weed species, paddy straw mulch 9.0 t/ha also effectively reduced density of Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Acrachne racemosa, Digera arvensis, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amaranthus viridis and Veronica agrestis and Cyperus rotundus as compared to 6.25 t/ha and no mulch treatment. Atrazine pre emergence at 1.0 kg/ha controlled Eleusine indica, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis and Cyperus compressus compared to its lower dose (0.8 kg/ha) and control at all stages. Post emergence application of tembotrione reduced the density of all weed species compared to atrazine and unweeded control.