Mulch Treatments Research Articles

Performance of Bt cotton evaluated in relation to mulching and weed control measures in northwest India

BackgroundWeed infestation in cotton has been reported to offer severe competition and cause yield reduction to a large extent. Weeding via cultural practices is time consuming, tedious, and expensive due to long duration of cotton crop and regular monsoon rains during cotton production in India. Chemical weed control has been successfully utilized in cotton in the recent past. However, continuous use of similar herbicides leads to resistance in weeds against herbicides. And when sprayed to the field, herbicides not only suppress weeds but leave undesirable residues in the soil that are hazardous to the environment. Therefore, a study was performed at cotton research area at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during two consecutive kharif seasons (2020 and 2021) to determine the most suitable and sustainable weed management strategy through the integration of chemical and cultural methods.ResultsMulching with rice straw of 7.5 t ha−1 resulted in significantly higher cotton seed yield (3 189 and 3 084 kg ha−1) and better weed control in comparison to no mulch treatments (2 990 and 2904 kg ha−1) in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Among various weed management levels, the significantly lowest cotton seed yield was recorded in untreated control (1 841 and 1 757 kg·ha−1 during 2020 and 2021, respectively) in comparison to other treatments while all other treatments were statistically at par with each other during both years of crop experimentation.ConclusionMulching with rice straw of 7.5 t·ha−1 along with a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin (active ingredient) at 1.5 kg·ha−1fb (followed by) one hoeings at 45 days after sowing (DAS) and fb glyphosate 2 kg·ha−1 (Shielded spray) at 90 DAS is a viable option for effective control of grassy and broadleaved weeds in Bt cotton in north-west India.

Effects of plastic film mulching on soil microbial carbon metabolic activity and functional diversity at different maize growth stages in cool, semi-arid regions

IntroductionPlastic film mulching has been widely used to enhance soil hydrothermal conditions and increase crop yields in cool, semi-arid areas. However, its impact on soil microbial carbon metabolic activity and functional diversity during plant growth remains unclear despite their important roles in nutrient cycling and soil quality evaluation.MethodsThis study used the Biolog EcoPlate technique to investigate the dynamics and driving factors of soil microbial carbon metabolic activity and functional diversity at different maize growth stages following plastic film mulching.Results and discussionThe results revealed that film mulching significantly increased microbial carbon metabolic activities [represented by average well color development (AWCD)] by 300% at the seedling stage and by 26.8% at maturity but decreased it by 47.4% at the flowering stage compared to the control (without mulching). A similar trend was observed for the microbial functional diversity index. Redundancy analysis identified soil moisture (SM), soil temperature (ST), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and bacteria amounts as the primary factors influencing changes in soil microbial carbon source utilization. The mulch treatment significantly increased SM at all growth stages, while its warming effect disappeared at the flowering stage. Soil DOC, MBC, and bacterial populations were notably higher under mulching at the seedling and maturity stages but lower at the flowering stage. Pearson correlation analysis showed that changes in SM, ST, DOC, MBC, and bacterial populations positively correlated with the utilization of all carbon source classes, AWCD, and functional diversity indexes after film mulching. Furthermore, maize grain yield and water use efficiency increased by 142 and 129%, respectively, following film mulching. In conclusion, plastic film mulching enhanced soil microbial carbon metabolic activity and functional diversity at the seedling and maturity stages, improving crop yields in cool, semi-arid areas. Furthermore, the decrease in soil carbon metabolic capacity at flowering stage highlights that supplementing soil carbon sources should be considered after continuous film mulching to sustain or enhance farmland productivity and soil quality.

Mulching Improves the Soil Hydrothermal Environment, Soil Aggregate Content, and Potato Yield in Dry Farmland

Mulching could effectively improve the soil hydrothermal environment, improve changes in the soil structure, increase entropy, and conserve soil moisture to solve the problem of grain reduction caused by perennial drought in Northwest China. Thus, a two-growing-season field experiment (2020–2021) with five treatments (PM1, biodegradable plastic film mulching; PM2, plastic film mulching; SM1, straw strip mulching; SM2, crushed corn straw full mulching; and CK, no mulching as the control) was conducted to investigate the effects of different mulching materials on the soil hydrothermal environment, soil aggregate distribution, stability, and tuber yield of rainfed potato farmland in Northwest China. Over two growing seasons, mulching planting, on average, increased (p < 0.05) the soil moisture at the 0–200 cm depth by 9.0% relative to CK (SM2 (11.6%) > SM1 (10.3%) > PM2 (8.6%) > PM1 (7.0%)). The mulching treatments significantly regulated the soil temperature during the whole growth period, in which plastic mulching significantly increased the soil temperature of the 0–25 cm soil depth during the whole growth period by 2.1 °C (PM2 (2.1 °C) > PM1 (2.0 °C)); meanwhile, straw mulching significantly reduced the soil temperature by 1.4 °C (SM2 (0.9 °C) > SM1 (0.6 °C)). All mulching treatments improved the soil macroaggregate content and soil aggregate stability in all soil depths from 0 to 40 cm, with increases of 31.4% and 27.1% in the mean weight diameter (MWD) and 22.6% and 21.2% in the geometric mean diameter (GWD) compared with CK, respectively. Straw and plastic mulching significantly increased the fresh tuber yield by 12.5% and 12.6% compared with CK, respectively. The increases were greatest in SM2 and PM2. Crushed corn straw full mulching is difficult to sow and harvest; therefore, straw strip mulching could improve the soil hydrothermal environment, increase production, and provide an environmentally friendly technology for dryland potato production.

Combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on fruit quality and bioactive compounds of VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava)

The present study was carried out during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to assess the combined effects of deficit irrigation and mulching on a 5-year- old VNR Bihi guava (Psidium guajava L.) orchard. The experiment consisted of three irrigation regimes, viz. deficit irrigation at 50% ETc (DI50); deficit irrigation at 75% ETc (DI75); and full irrigation at 100% ETc (FI100); and four mulching treatments, viz. silver-black mulch (MSB); black mulch (MB); organic mulch (MOM); and without mulch (MWM) laid out in a factorial randomised block design (F-RBD) with three replications. Results showed that fruit number and yield/tree were recorded highest in trees irrigated with DI75 and mulched with silver-black mulch. Under treatment DI50 fruit had the highest concentration of soluble solids, with Brix levels of 12.35°B and 12.78 °B during the years 2019–20 and 2020–21, respectively. Total sugars content was significantly increased under DI50 by 7.73 and 7.36%, respectively as compared to FI100 during both the years of experimentation. The biochemical properties such as total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant (DPPH) activity also increased as irrigation regimes decreased from FI100 to DI50. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were improved by 19.19 and 33.44%, respectively under DI50 when compared to FI100. Significant differences among different mulch treatments with respect to quality parameters were also observed except DPPH activity. Silver-black mulch followed by black mulch resulted in higher soluble solids content, total sugars, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, total flavonoids and DPPH activity. These findings demonstrate the positive effect of water deficit practice on bioactive compounds and the appropriateness of deficit irrigation and mulching as irrigation management strategies in the fruit orchards that improve fruit commercial value and conserve water.

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.

Leguminous green mulching alters the microbial community structure and increases microbial diversity by improving nitrogen availability in subtropical orchard systems in China

Microorganisms, the major decomposers of plant residues, are crucial for soil nutrient cycling. Living grass mulching effectively alters microbial community structure and promotes nutrient cycling. However, its consistency with mulching ages and growth periods remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the dynamic characteristics of microbial communities and enzyme activities across different mulching ages. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate bacterial and fungal community evolution in three mulching treatments with Vicia villosa for 8 years (VV_8), 4 years (VV_4), and clean tillage in a citrus orchard. This study covered three growth periods (citrus–grass: spring sprouting to budding period [SSBP], fruit swelling to withering period [FSWP], and fruit maturity to seeding period [FMSP]). The results showed that VV_4 and VV_8 treatments increased bacterial and fungal alpha diversity as well as the activities of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and phosphorus cycling enzymes. C-cycling enzyme activity was the primary key factor driving changes in microbial diversity across growth periods. Under leguminous green mulching, bacteria alpha diversity increased the most during FSWP, while fungi increased the most during FMSP. Additionally, the relative abundance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota significantly increased during the FSWP and FMSP, reaching 63.65–73.80 % and 79.73–84.51 %, respectively. With increasing mulching ages, the structural stability and synergistic effects of microorganisms were correspondingly enhanced. Furthermore, available nutrients determined microbial community evolution, with N availability being a key factor influencing microbial diversity, especially fungal diversity. In conclusion, as mulching ages increase, improved nutrient availability gradually enhances microbial diversity, synergistic interactions, and nutrient cycling functions, with copiotrophic taxa occupying a key position in the microbial network. FSWP is a critical turning point for enhancing microbial activity and C-cycling function. This study offers theoretical support for developing microbial regulation strategies to improve soil quality in orchard management practices.

Effects of different mulching technologies on rainfed maize field energy exchange and evapotranspiration partitioning in northwest China

Artificial mulching, a prevalent water-saving tool in arid and semiarid agroecosystems, complicated energy exchange and water transport process between land surface and atmosphere. The field energy and evapotranspiration (ET) partitioning within a soil-mulch-plant-atmosphere continuum have not been comprehensively examined, which limited cognition of the underlying mechanisms that control hydrological processes and achieve yield improvement. Here, a four-season experiment in a rainfed summer maize field with four mulching treatments (NM: non-mulching, SM: straw mulching, RPBF: plastic-mulched ridge with bare furrow, and RPSF: plastic mulched ridge with straw-mulched furrow) was conducted to study the dynamics of surface energy and ET components and their regulation mechanisms. Results indicated that the effects of mulching on field energy partitioning were most evident at the maize initial stage, during which net radiation was significantly decreased under PM treatments (RPBF and RPSF), while soil heat flux was significantly reduced in SM treatments (p < 0.05). The average latent heat flux (LE) was 3.55 and 5.65 MJ·d−1 for NM maize at sowing and seedling stages, but decreased by 9.01 %, 27.04 %, 29.58 % at sowing, and 7.08 %, 9.56 % and 16.46 % at seedling stages for SM, RPBF and PRSF, respectively. The energy component differences among different treatments were minimal during the middle and late stages with high leaf coverage, and total LE and sensible heats were not significantly different. Mulch exerted a notable impact on soil evaporation (E) and crop transpiration (T), characterized by the average E of 0.96, 0.82, 0.57 and 0.46 mm·d−1 in NM, SM, RPBF and RPSF, while the value for T was 1.67, 1.88, 2.03 and 2.10 mm·d−1, respectively. PM conserved soil water by reducing E during the initial growing season and in dry periods, but also enhancing T and deepening the depth of soil water consumption under higher leaf cover. Energy exchange and ET partitioning were found to be more sensitive to soil water content (SWC) during periods characterized by lower leaf coverage, while the role of underlying canopy coverage characteristics overwhelmed soil properties in controlling energy and ET partitioning along with the leaf expansion. These findings contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of different mulching management on rainfed maize energy exchange and water use in Northwest China.

Effect of Coloured Plastic Mulches on Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Central Himalayan Region

Plastic mulches are used nowadays to significantly increase crop yield due to ease of use, transportation, and storability. The main objective and aim of this investigation is to examine the role of colored plastic mulch on growth, quality, and yield attributing traits of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in the central Himalayan region. The field experiment contained mulches in red, black, yellow, silver, and a no mulch control from Oct 2019 to Feb 2020. Red plastic mulch improved growth, yield, and quality attributing characters compared to other mulches and control. Red mulched treatment maintained better soil moisture and better soil temperature (up to 6 °C) compared to control and other colored mulches. The yield of tomatoes ranged from 13.49 to 20.27 kg.m-2 with the maximum under red plastic mulch. A yield increase of 29.72 to 50.25 % was achieved using mulch as compared to control. The plant growth, quality, and flowering attributing traits also exhibited superiority under mulching over control with red mulch showing the best effect. Tomato fruits harvested from red mulch treatment exhibited the highest value of quality parameters such as TSS (5.20 °B), lycopene content (5.59 mg/100g), ascorbic acid content (16.86 mg/100g), and carotenoid content (3.51 mg/g FW).

Effects of soil amendments and coverings on the kenaf yield and soil physicochemical properties in saline-alkali land

In order to investigate the effects of various treatments on the growth of kenaf in saline soil, this study employed a comprehensive experimental design incorporating a dual approach of soil amendment and mulching techniques. Soil treatment of saline and alkaline land, as well as biological material mulching treatment after sowing kenaf, were conducted. The growth dynamics of kenaf were assessed before the mid-term investigation, and the harvest period was examined. Soil physicochemical properties were measured and analysed at different periods. The results show that in the analysis of red sesame yield traits, the differences mainly appeared between soil treatments. There is no significant difference between the different mulching treatments within each soil treatment. In the mid-term study, significant differences were observed in kenaf plant height. Plant height was the most affected by soil conditioners, while other yield traits did not show significant variations. During harvest, only stem thickness and dry weight of a single plant did not show significant differences, whereas other yield traits did. The application of soil conditioners resulted in a 58.15% increase in dry hull yield compared to organic fertilizers and a 22.66% increase compared to regular fertilizers. Soil conditioners also led to higher levels of effective phosphorus, quick-acting potassium, organic matter, and total nitrogen throughout the kenaf growth period compared to organic and regular fertilizers. This is beneficial for enhancing soil quality and reducing soil alkalinity. Combined with the results of kenaf yield and soil physical and chemical properties analysis, it has been proven that the application of soil conditioner has the best effect, followed by the application of compound fertilizer, with organic fertilizer treatment being the least effective.

Effects of Tillage and Straw Mulching on Soil Hydrothermal and Nutrient Content in Agricultural Soil

Long-term intensive tillage has led to soil environment degradation, reduced fertility, and difficulty in increasing crop yield in the Mollisol region of northeast China. In order to improve the soil’shydrothermal environment and nutrient content, we conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of different tillage practices and the amount of straw mulching on soil hydrothermal environment and nutrient content in agricultural soils in seasonal permafrost areas. Four treatments were established: no-tillage without straw (NT0), no-tillage with half straw mulching (NT1), no-tillage with full straw mulching (NT2), and rotary tillage without straw (CK) as the control treatment. The results indicate that the no-tillage with straw mulching treatments increased the soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) content, accompanied by improvements in the soil’s water content and regulation of soil temperature changes, as compared to the CK treatment. Specifically, the soil’s NH4+-N and NO3−-N content in the NT2 treatment were significantly increased by 25.65% and 38.81%, respectively. Our study indicates that NT2 treatment is the most suitable tillage practice and straw-returning method in the Mollisol region of northeast China. This study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the efficient utilization of farmland soil in seasonal permafrost areas.

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.

Mulching tree leaves improve the growth, yield, and yield components of hybrid maize

The experiment was carried out at the Agroforestry Farm, Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from November 2019 to March 2020 to assess the impact of tree leaf mulching on the growth, yield attributes, and yield of maize. The study used a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and six treatments. These treatments were: T0=Control (no mulch), T1=Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) tree leaf mulch, T2=Segun (Tectona grandis) tree leaf mulch, T3=Kalo koroi (Albizia lebbeck) tree leaf mulch, T4=Jhau (Casuarina equisetifolia) tree leaf mulch, and T5=Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) tree leaf mulch. The results showed that the Kalo koroi tree leaf mulch (T3) led to the highest values for various parameters such as plant height, number of effective tillers per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf diameter, number of cobs per plant, length, and diameter of cob, the weight of single cob, number of grains per cob, grain weight per cob, 100-grain weight, and grain yield of maize (221.18 cm, 0.93, 17.29, 79.26 cm, 7.30 cm, 4.18, 1.70, 21.11 cm, 6.08 cm, 212.12 g, 453.85 g, 138.91 g, 30.60 g, and 11.81 t/ha). Conversely, the lowest values were obtained in the control (T0) (no mulch), followed by T2 and T1 treatments (209.39 cm, 0.37, 12.5, 72.48 cm, 4.62 cm, 1.50, 15.03 cm, 4.44 cm, 202.19 g, 421.56 g, 111.55 g, 26.46 g, and 8.35 t/ha). Among the various tree leaf mulch treatments, it was found that the Kalo koroi tree leaf mulch performed better for vegetative growth, yield, and yield-contributing attributes in maize compared to the no mulch treatment. Therefore, it was suggested that tree leaf mulches could be a potential alternative to traditional mulches in maize cultivation. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 2, August 2024: 205-214

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.

Investigating the influence of eco-friendly approaches on saline soil traits and growth of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Soil salinization significantly impacts agricultural lands and crop productivity in the study area. Moreover, freshwater scarcity poses a significant obstacle to soil reclamation and agricultural production. Therefore, eco-friendly strategies must be adopted for agro-ecosystem sustainability under these conditions. A study conducted in 2022 and 2023 examined the interaction effects of various soil mulching materials (unmulched, white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust) and chitosan foliar spray application (control, 250 mg L-1 of normal chitosan, 125 mg L-1 of nano chitosan, and 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan) on the biochemical soil characteristics and productivity of common beans in clay-saline soil. Higher organic matter, available nutrient content, and total bacteria count in soils were found under organic mulching treatments (rice straw and sawdust). In contrast, the white plastic mulching treatment resulted in the lowest values of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and the highest soil water content. Conversely, chitosan foliar spray treatments had the least impact on the chemical properties of the soil. Plants sprayed with 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan exhibited higher chlorophyll content, plant height, fresh weight of shoots and roots, seed yield, and nutrient content compared to other chitosan foliar spray applications. All treatments studied led to a significant reduction in fungal communities and Na% in plants. The combined effect of organic mulch materials and foliar spray application of 62.5 mg L-1 nano chitosan appeared to enhance biochemical saline soil properties and common bean productivity.

Field-based assessment of the effect of conventional and biodegradable plastic mulch film on nitrogen partitioning, soil microbial diversity, and maize biomass

In an agricultural context, the use of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and biodegradable plastic mulch film has been actively promoted, however, the effects on physical and biochemical soil properties, crop growth dynamics, yield, and nutrient cycling of conventional and biodegradable mulch film use in a temperate climate remain largely undetermined. Here, we conducted a field experiment, exploring the effects of no mulch (control), conventional (LDPE), and biodegradable (PLA/PBAT) plastic mulch film on soil and crop (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) partitioning after application of 15N-labelled ammonium-nitrate fertiliser. Further, we also investigated the treatment effects on soil physical and biochemical properties (e.g., microbial diversity, compound-specific microbial 15N incorporation, N dynamics), plant development, as well as monitoring the biotic and abiotic degradation of the plastic mulch films. We found that conventional mulch film increased crop yield by 25 % and 15N uptake by 34 % compared to the control, simultaneously reducing 15N retention by 40 % in the topsoil (0–10 cm), but not affecting microbial N use efficiency and N transformation and incorporation into the protein pool. Biodegradable film application resulted in similar biomass (306 ± 14 g plant−1) to both control (275 ± 14 g plant−1) and conventional mulch (344 ± 20 g plant−1) treatments, but significantly reduced 15N crop uptake by 63 % compared to the conventional mulch film. We ascribe this to the accelerated mechanical breakdown and faster degradation of the biodegradable mulch film during the growing season. These findings suggest that current biodegradable plastic mulch film polymer blends may not be a suitable alternative to conventional mulch film in terms of short-term productivity and N use efficiency in a temperate climate for maize production.

Exploiting Soybean and Flaxseed Meal Byproducts as Safe Weed Management Approaches in Onion Field

The intensive and repeated use of chemical herbicides has led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds, which, in addition to their environmental impacts, also pose significant threats to human and animal health. This study aimed to explore the potential of oilseed industrial wastes, specifically soybean and flaxseed meals, as safe and environmentally friendly bioherbicides for controlling weeds associated with onion crops. Two field experiments were conducted along two successive winter of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Treatments involved foliar spray of soybean and flaxseed meals in three different concentrations (15, 30 and 45%), mulching of seed meals, oxyfluorfen herbicide, two hand hoeing and untreated weedy check. The findings demonstrated that all weed control treatments significantly reduced weed density, biomass and nutrient uptake. Two hand hoeing, oxyfluorfen herbicide and the mulching of soybean and flaxseed meals alternated in the top rank for weed control, showing minimal significant differences among them. Following these effective treatments, soybean meal extracts at 45 and 30% exhibited notable weed control compared to the weedy check. The greatest enhancement in onion growth, yield characteristics and bulb quality was observed with the application of hand hoeing, soybean and flaxseed meal mulching treatments, with no significant differences between them. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fractionation of both meals identified various phenolic acids at different concentrations. Practically, these safe efficient treatments proved progress on chemical herbicide. Hence, onion farmers are advised to apply soybean and flaxseed meals mulching safe treatments as alternative to harmful chemical herbicides under all experimental conditions.

Effect of Planting Ground Treatments Using Artificial Rainfall Slope Simulating Degraded Forestland on Drought Stress Susceptibility of Pinus densiflora

Trees in degraded forest areas are generally exposed to water stress due to harsh environmental conditions, threatening their survival. This study simulated the environmental conditions of a degraded forest area by constructing an artificial rainfall slope and observing the physiological responses of Pinus densiflora to control, mulching, and waterbag treatments. P. densiflora exhibited distinct isohydric plant characteristics of reducing net photosynthetic rate and stomatal transpiration rate through regulating stomatal conductance in response to decreased soil moisture, particularly in the control and waterbag treatments. Additionally, the trees increased photochemical quenching, such as Y(NPQ), to dissipate excess energy as heat and minimize damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. However, these adaptive mechanisms have temporal limitations, necessitating appropriate measures. Under extreme drought stress (DS45), mulching treatment showed 4.5 times and 2.2 times higher in PIabs and SFIabs than in the control, and after the recovery period (R30), waterbag and mulching treatment showed similar levels, while PIabs and SFIabs in the control were only 45% and 75% of those in the mulching and waterbag treatments, respectively. Specifically, mulching extended the physiological mechanisms supporting survival by more than a week, making it the most effective method for enhancing the planting ground in degraded forest areas. Although the waterbag treatment was less effective than mulching treatment, it still significantly contributed to forming better growth conditions compared to the control. These findings highlight the potential for mulching and waterbag treatments to enhance forest restoration efforts, suggesting future research and application could lead to more resilient reforested areas capable of withstanding climate change-induced drought conditions.

Mulching with Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Compost Has Beneficial Side Effects on Vineyard Soil Compared to Mulching with Synthetic Films

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost represents a sustainable alternative to plastic film for mulching in viticulture. This study investigated the effects of MSW compost on vineyard soil properties, specifically focusing on side effects such as soil temperature and microbial decomposition activity, independently from its role in weed control. The experiment was conducted in a vineyard located in the Mediterranean region (Southern Italy), with six different mulching treatments: black polyethylene (PE) film, black and white biodegradable film, three different amounts of MSW compost (8, 15, and 22 kg plant−1), and a control without mulching. Weed growth was monitored to determine the optimal compost application amount. The 15 kg plant−1 treatment was selected for further analyses, as it did not significantly impact weed growth compared to the control. Results indicated that MSW compost mulching maintained lower soil temperatures compared to other treatments (up to 5 °C in the warmest hours) and reduced the amplitude of the thermal wave up to 50% compared to the non-mulched soil and even more compared to black film mulched soil, particularly during the warmest periods. This suggests that MSW compost can mitigate heat stress on plant roots, potentially enhancing plant resilience and preserving crop production also in stressful growing conditions. Microbial decomposition activity, assessed using the tea bag index, was higher in the MSW compost treatment during spring compared to the control, indicating temperature as a key driver for organic matter decomposition, but this effect disappeared during summer. These findings highlight the potential of MSW compost to support sustainable viticulture by reducing reliance on synthetic mulching materials and promoting environmental sustainability through the recycling of organic municipal waste.

Effect of straw and plastic mulches on growth and yield of zero tillage potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Coastal Khulna Region of Bangladesh

A randomized complete block design experiment was undertaken at the field laboratory of the Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, from November 2021 to March 2022 to ascertain the impact of various mulch treatments on zero tillage potato cultivation. The experiment employed BARI Alu 78 as the planting material and utilized three replications with five distinct mulch treatments. These mulch treatments were identified as follows: Straw mulch (T1), Mulch film (T2), Black polythene (T3), White polythene (T4), and Blue polythene (T5). The metrics that were recorded included the number of sprouts, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf width, leaf length, number of tubers, tuber length, tuber breadth, number of defective tubers, weight of defective tubers, and tuber weight. Different mulching techniques significantly influenced the overall crop yield and the underlying factors that influenced the results. The mulch film treatment resulted in the highest yield, with a production of 34.76 tons per hectare, followed by black polythene (28.11 tons per hectare), straw mulch (23.74 tons per hectare), white polythene (20.44 tons per hectare), and blue polythene (18.66 tons per hectare). The economic analysis revealed that mulch film had a high benefit cost ratio along with high input and output. Black polythene came in second place when the benefit cost ratio was compared to that of mulch film and the rest of the three treatments. Combining zero tillage with mulch film or black polythene demonstrates significant potential for becoming a cost-effective practice in the coastal region of Bangladesh.