Organic Mulch Materials Research Articles

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.

Effects of Mulching Materials on the Growth and Yield of Peanuts Cultivated in Coastal Areas of Thanh Hoa Province

Mulches have been widely applied in crop production in order to minimize water requirements, preserve soil moisture, and curb weed growth for higher yield and water use efficiency. This research aimed to assess the impact of organic mulches on peanut productivity in the coastal areas of Thanh Hoa province. The experiment was carried out during the 2019 spring growing season. A split pot design was used with two peanut cultivars (L14 & L23) as the main plots and five types of mulching materials (clear plastic, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, water hyacinth, and bare soil) as the subplots. It was revealed that rice straw exhibited a positive influence on the growth attributes and yield of peanuts, comparable to clear plastic and other organic mulch materials. Notably, rice straw contributed to enhanced plant growth, dry matter production, pod filling, and yield. Additionally, the net return of rice straw application was also the highest. The results suggested that organic mulching materials (rice straw and plant residues) can be effectively used for peanuts because of their availability and biodegradability as an eco-friendly agricultural practice.

Performance of Some Organic Mulch Materials for Weed Suppression, Soil Conditions and Yield in Capsicum annuum L. Cultivation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different organic mulch materials and thicknesses in controlling weeds, improving soil temperature and moisture, and increasing crop yield in Capsicum annuum L. cultivation. The experiment was conducted in 2022, using three types of mulch materials (grass, chopped paper, wheat straw) and three different thicknesses (5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm). A total of 22 weed species were identified in the experimental area, and statistical analysis revealed significant differences in all parameters between the mulch treatments and the control group. The use of organic mulch resulted in better weed control, with an increase in mulch thickness corresponding to greater suppression of annual weed species. The highest effect on weed dry weight was observed in the 15-cm paper mulch, which also produced the highest yield (3940.48 kg/da). The study also showed that soil temperature was lower and soil moisture was higher in all mulch treatments compared to the bare soil control group, with some fluctuations observed at times. Overall, the findings suggest that the use of organic mulch is crucial in arid and semi-arid regions for effective weed control, water conservation, improved water efficiency, reduced soil evaporation, and increased pepper yield.

Effect of Some Selected Organic Mulches on Flowering, Ripening and Suckering of Pineapple Va. Smooth cayenne

The gains obtained from organic mulching of pineapple farms can never be overemphasized. Despite this fact many developed countries still patronize synthetic mulching due to its efficiency in large pineapple farms. However in developing countries of Africa and Nigeria in particular where small scale pineapple farmers still contribute to the national gross domestic product (GDP), the need for cheaper organic mulching techniques which do not only suppress weed and improve soil fertility but have positive influence on pineapple flowering, ripening and suckering is required. Based on this, a research was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology Owerri to assess the effect of some selected organic mulch types on the maturing trends of Smooth Cayenne pineapple. A 32 factorial fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used. Result showed that main effects from mulch rates and mulch types independently had significant influence on days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, the interval between time of first flowering and attainment of 50% flowering, days to ripening, interval from flowering to ripening and number of suckers produced at 50% flowering stage while interaction of mulch rates and mulch types only had significant effect on days to first flowering. This study revealed that the utilized organic mulch materials had tremendous positive influence on flowering, ripening and suckering of Smooth Cayenne pineapple.

Organic Mulch Innovation from Straw Waste in the Context of Realizing Climate Smart Agriculture as an Acceleration of Green Economy Achievement

Purpose: The general aim of this research is to encourage sustainable agricultural practices through innovative practices of organic mulch materials. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of sustainable agriculture provides a conceptual basis for understanding and implementing agricultural practices that seek to balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions. At its core, sustainable agriculture is guided by the principles of ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity. Ecological integrity emphasizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing the health of ecosystems, recognizing the interconnectedness of soil health, biodiversity, and water resources. Method: This research method consists of three stages. The first step is identifying the characteristics of straw, the initial stage of organic mulch production. The second stage is testing the characteristics of mulch, organic mulch innovation, testing the effectiveness and efficiency of organic mulch. The third stage is a business feasibility study analysis, mass mulch production, promotion and marketing analysis. Results: The results showed that identifying the characteristics of straw and organic mulch production is an important step in sustainable farming practices. This initial stage involves determining the type of straw that will be used as organic mulch and preparing the mulch. During this entire process, it is important to consider the type of crop being planted, local climatic conditions, and available resources in order to choose the right straw and manage organic mulch effectively. This practice can help improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, and increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable way. Conclusions: Identification of straw characteristics and production of organic mulch are important steps in sustainable agricultural practices. This initial stage involves determining the type of straw that will be used as organic mulch and preparing the mulch. During this entire process, it is important to consider the type of crop being planted, local climate conditions, and available resources to select the right straw and manage organic mulch effectively.

Mulching: An Efficient Technology for Sustainable Agriculture Production

The application of mulching practices reduces soil evaporation, conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, controls soil structure and temperature, influences soil micro-organisms, and is aesthetically pleasing. This study has reviewed, which described the effects of various mulching materials and methods on soil and environment that influence crop productivity. This paper describes the extent of influence of different mulching materials and methods on the hydrothermal environment of soils. It is imperative to know the processes that control soil environments under various mulching conditions and the effects of mulching materials on crop yield, productivity and water use efficiency. Plastic mulching materials also have a greater importance to control soil environment and increase crop yield. Organic mulching materials are inexpensive and environment friendly. The selection of an appropriate mulching material is, however, guided by crop type, crop management practices and climatic conditions. Future research is needed on the effects of low-cost biodegradable mulching materials on microclimate modifications, soil biota, soil fertility, crop growth and crop yields.

Effects of organic mulching on moisture and temperature of soil in greenhouse production of tomato under unheated greenhouse cultivation in the cold zone of China.

In the cold zone of China, winter is cold and long and has a short duration of sunshine. Unheated earthen-wall solar greenhouses are used for tomato production in winter in this region. This was an experimental investigation of different organic mulching materials (newspaper, bran, and grass) on the soil temperature, soil moisture, tomato yield, fruit quality, and water use efficiency. Organic mulching variously improved soil temperature, soil moisture, water use efficiency, and tomato yield, which is very important for greenhouse winter cultivation in this cold zone. Organic mulching regulated the soil temperature, with daily soil temperature ranges of bran, newspaper, and grass treatments being 1.6, 1.9, and 2.1°C lower than for bare land, respectively. Compared to bare land, newspaper mulching had little effect on soil temperature and fruit quality, but increased soil moisture (14.1%) and water use efficiency (WUE: WUEb, 31.3%; WUEy, 30.6%), and greatly increased yield (81.8%) and biomass (82.7%); bran mulching greatly increased soil temperature, moisture (16%), and WUE (WUEb, 60.1%; WUEy, 44.3%) and increased biomass (30.2%) and yield (17.3%); grass mulching greatly increased soil temperature and moisture (20.9%) and increased biomass (17.9%), yield (11.2%), and WUE (WUEb, 20.5%; WUEy, 13.6%). In addition, organic mulching had a good water retention effect on soil layer above 30 cm. The total soil water consumption during tomato growth was in the following order: newspaper (103 mm) > bare (74 mm) > grass (73 mm) > bran (60 mm). Soil water consumption mainly occurred in the 0- to 10-cm soil layers.

Effect of Soil Organic Mulching Combined with Aeration Treatment on Soil Quality, Nutrients Content, and Lei Bamboo Shoot Production

Lei bamboo cultivation is an important economic activity in the Zhejiang province of China. However, extensive management practices such as organic mulching aimed at optimizing Lei bamboo production usually have a long-term negative impact on soil pH. Thus, it is important for novel management practices that consider not only bamboo production but also soil quality to be developed. In this study, we evaluated the effect of four conditions: organic mulching combined with aeration (MA), organic mulching and no aeration (MNA), aeration and no mulching (NMA), and control treatment (CK) on soil quality parameters and Lei bamboo shoot production. The Lei bamboo stands have been receiving similar treatments for 3–4 years, but for this study, organic mulch materials (rice husks, stalks, bamboo leaves, non-living plant biomass materials and plants biochar) were reapplied in October 2021 and soil sampling was done in April 2022. Our results showed that the average oxygen content at a sampling depth of 10 cm in CK, MA, and NMA was 21.6%, 21.7%, and 20.7%, respectively. However, when mulching was applied without aeration (MNA), soil oxygen content and pH were decreased by 6.3% and 0.7 units compared to CK. Moreover, for this treatment soil pH was as low as 4.28 at a depth of 30 cm. Nevertheless, when mulching was applied together with aeration (MA), all soil quality parameters, including the contents of organic matter and nitrogen were significantly increased (p < 0.05). For MA, soil pH was generally > 5.0 even at a depth of 30 cm. For all the treatment plots, the number of bamboo shoots that were produced after one month of treatment followed the sequence MA (591.0) > MNA (554.3) > NMA (305.7) > CK (53.3). Even though NMA and MNA treatments both improved bamboo growth by providing the required nutrients, we recommend the combined application of mulching and aeration (MA) for long-term Lei bamboo plantation management since the combination has the potential to improve nutrient supply and bamboo growth while retarding soil acidification.

PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT POTATO VARIETIES UNDER PLASTIC MULCHING CONDITIONS AT DAILEKH, NEPAL

Mulching helps preserve soil fertility by preventing moisture loss, maintaining soil temperature, limiting weed growth, promoting microbial growth, and minimizing soil erosion. An experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of plastic mulching and control conditions (as main factors) on yield attributes of five potato varieties, namely Khumal Seto-1, Desiree, Cardinal, Kufri-Jyoti, and C-88 (as sub-factors), in Dailekh, Nepal during. A Split-plot design was employed comprising altogether ten treatments with three replications each. R-Studio software was used to analyze the data and attribute the responses to growth and yield parameters. The Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to differentiate the treatment means at 5% level of significance. Mulching treatment was found to be significantly more effective than no mulch for all the vegetative growth attributes. Compared to no mulch, the use of plastic mulch produced the greatest plant height (38.66 cm) at 75 DAS, highest number of marketable tubers (11.64), and the total number of tubers per hill (13.04), marketable tuber yield (3.93 kg/m2), and a significantly higher total tuber yield of 25.48 t/ha. Similarly, total tuber yield was found to be highest for Khumal Seto-1 (25.32 t/ha) and least for Kufri-Jyoti (22.38 t/ha). The benefit-cost analysis was found to be significant for the mulch condition and Khumal Seto-1, with promising ratios of 3.28 and 3.48, respectively. Thus, Khumal Seto-1 under plastic mulching may be used for better productivity of potatoes in Dailekh, and moreover, other readily available and accessible mulch options, including organic mulch-materials, can be utilized.

Effects of Different Mulching Materials on Soil Salinity of a Semi-Arid Drip-Irrigated Nectarine Orchard

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of inorganic (plastic) and organic (geotextile and pine bark) mulching materials for soil salinity control as compared to the bare soil was assessed during three years in a semi-arid, drip-irrigated nectarine orchard. The soil solution electrical conductivity (ECss) was measured in 3174 samples regularly extracted with suction cups at two soil depths (20 and 40 cm) and three sampling positions (EM-emitter, EL-emitter line, and TR-tree row) during the 2010–2012 irrigation seasons. Considering all treatments, ECss increased (p < .05) with distance to emitters, both vertically (mean ECss = 4.7 dS m−1 at 20 cm and 6.3 dS m−1 at 40 cm soil depths) and horizontally (mean ECss (20 + 40 cm soil depth) = 2.9 dS m−1 at EM, 4.4 dS m−1 at EL, and 9.1 dS m−1 at TR). The monthly changes in ECss were negatively correlated (p < .01) with the monthly field-wide leaching fraction estimates. Based on the 2010–2012 mean ECss values, the effectiveness for soil salinity control of the examined treatments was (p = .05): plastic (4.2 dS m−1) = pine bark (4.6 dS m−1) < bare soil (5.8 dS m−1) = geotextile (5.9 dS m−1). Overall, due to their lower soil water evaporation rates, the plastic and pine bark materials were best suited for soil salinity control under the prevailing climatic characteristics in the study area.

Comparing the Effects of Different Organic Mulching Materials on Weed Control, Soil Moisture Conservation, and Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Productivity in the Moisture Deficit Areas

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity, in water deficit areas such as Ethiopia, is threatened by low soil fertility, weed infestation and moisture stress. Organic Mulch was believed to avert these challenges but only limited scientific information, on its level of effects (crop yield, soil moisture conservation and weed control), was available. Hence, an experiment was carried out on Cambisols in Tigray/Ethiopia during the 2019/20 growing season following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Four organic mulch types (maize stalk, sorghum stalk, wheat straw, and finger millet straw), each at the rates of 2 ton ha-1 were compared against the control (no mulch). Their economic visibility was evaluated using partial budget analysis. Our experimental results revealed that mulched plots had a significantly higher weed control efficiency, soil moisture content, grain yield, and net benefit as compared to the control. Mulching in general improved Wheat grain yield by 26.8%, soil moisture (at 0 – 20 cm) by 73.7%, weed control efficiency by 57.4%, and net benefit by 19.7% as compared to the control. Maize and sorghum stover mulches were the most profitable mulch types which increased net benefit by 38.2 and 27.6%, respectively. It can be concluded that organic mulching with Maize and Sorghum stover is a good option to improve crop production, soil moisture and reduce weed infestation in the moisture deficit areas.

Optimization of Organic Mulches Thickness Improves Soil Moisture Retention under Controlled Conditions

Organic mulch can improve the moisture, chemical composition, dust, and dust suppression of soil, and beautify the environment. In view of the rapid evaporation rate and serious loss of soil water in tropical areas, this paper explored the effect of organic mulch materials with different thickness on the increase of soil water retention rate and the improvement of soil water loss caused by evaporation. Rubberwood sawdust (RWS), rubberwood bark (RWB), coconut fiber (CF), and Mulch (MC) were selected as the mulching materials. Field experiment and laboratory experiment were performed, and soil-moisture content and temperature were continuously monitored. However, from the daily measurement of water content at constant conditions (29°C ± 0.2°C, 74% ± 1% air RH) in the laboratory experiment, the results of variance analysis (ANOVA) showed that there was no significant difference between the soil-water content of covered samples and bare soil (P > 0.05). In the field experiments, the analysis of variance indicated significant differences in the soil-moisture content owing to the effect of the covering material (P

Organic mulch materials improve soil moisture in vineyard

Organic mulch materials improve soil moisture in vineyard

Use of conventional and innovative organic materials as alternatives to black plastic mulch to suppress weeds in tomato production

ABSTRACT Controversial issues have been raised regarding the use of plastic mulches, as they can have a destructive effect on agricultural production systems and because of the reliance on fossil fuels for the manufacturing. Investigating the use of organic materials as alternatives to black plastic mulch is thus crucial to enhance both the productivity and the sustainability of agricultural systems. A field experiment was carried out in three years, assessing the efficacy of several organic mulch materials, in comparison with black plastic mulch, for suppressing weeds in tomato production. The results showed that, mulching with shredded date leaves + sawdust, had the highest inhibiting impact in reducing the total weed density by approximately up to 31.3 weeds m-2 at 70 days after transplanting in all three years. The highest marketable yield of the tomatoes was obtained for plants grown with shredded date leaves + sawdust mulch in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Additionally, mulching with coco fibre, sawdust, wheat straw + sawdust, corn residue + sawdust and wood chips + sawdust resulted in similar values for marketable yield as the black plastic. The results revealed that shredded date leaves + sawdust could be a practical alternative to the use of black plastic in the production of processing tomatoes. The use of wheat straw + sawdust, barley straw + sawdust, rice straw + sawdust, corn residue + sawdust, coco fibre + sawdust, sawdust and especially coco fibre, as replacements for black plastic, would be rational options when there is no access to shredded date leaves + sawdust.

Effect of organic and inorganic mulching materials on tomato growth and development in Western Kenya

Effect of organic and inorganic mulching materials on tomato growth and development in Western Kenya

The effects of mulching with organic materials on the soil nutrient and carbon transport by runoff under simulated rainfall conditions

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of different organic mulch materials and application at different rates on the transport of nitrate nitrogen (NO3−), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+), total nitrogen (TN), phosphate phosphorus (PO4−3) and total organic carbon (TOC) by runoff under the laboratory conditions and determine whether they affect the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) values in runoff after the application. Three different organic mulch materials (dry weed, wheat straw, and peanut hay) were applied on experimental plots prepared using Cambisol soils developed on sedimentary bedrock under laboratory conditions at four different rates (0 t/ha, 2 t/ha, 4 t/ha, and 6 t/ha). The experimental plots were placed on a smooth surface with a 9% slope, and simulated rainfall was applied at an intensity of 97 mm/h for 1 h. Runoff was collected, and NO3−, NH4+, TN, PO4−3, TOC, pH, and EC were analysed. According to the results, peanut hay and straw mulch applications reduced NH4+concentrations in runoff. The most effective mulch type in reducing NO3− concentration was straw mulch at a rate of 4 t/ha. All three mulch types increased the concentration of TN, TOC, and PO4−3 in runoff. The lowest TN transport in water was found in the plots with straw mulch at 4 t/ha. The lowest TOC transport was found in plots with mulch application at a rate of 2 t/ha. The minimum PO4−3 loss was found in dry weed mulch treatments at a rate of 2 t/ha. Mulch applications generally increased the pH and EC values of runoff. In general, straw mulch reducing nutrient and TOC transport by runoff, followed by dry weed mulch applications. The type and application rate of mulches should be chosen carefully in terms of protecting water resources.

Different organic mulch materials affect the abundance of enchytraeids in an open-field experiment

Organic mulch may provide favourable soil conditions e.g. soil moisture or organic matter content, which may enhance the number of enchytraeids. However, there is no sufficient information about the relationship between plant-based mulch and this beneficial soil animal group. Therefore, an open-field experiment was conducted with tomato as a test plant to examine the effect of different types of organic mulch materials on the natural occurence of enchytraeids. Our study microplots received the following treatments: 1) yard-waste compost, 2) walnut leaf litter, 3) mixed leaf litter without walnut and 4) wheat straw. Control microplots were left unmulched. Randomized block design was used with eight replications to the treatments and four to the control. At the end of the growing season, three soil samples were taken from the root zone of each plant with a split soil corer, and enchytraeids were extracted by the wet funnel method. Living enchytraeids were counted under a dissecting microscope, and their density values were estimated. Worms were identified in five randomly selected samples of each treatment. In addition, soil moisture was determined by oven-drying as well. Mulch material types had significantly different effects on both Enchytraeid density and soil moisture. Under walnut leaf litter, mixed leaf litter and straw cover, higher numbers of individuals were found. In the case of soil moisture content, straw mulching had the highest value, while compost and uncovered surfaces the lowest. It appears that mulch materials serve as food source and provide favourable conditions for enchytraeid communities as well.

Natural Mulches Effect on the Yield of White Maize

The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University during the period from November 2015 to May 2016, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, to find out the effect of organic mulches on the yield of white maize. This experiment was comprised of two factors. Factor A: Variety (2): V1 = Shuvra; V2 = KS-510 and Factor B: Indigenous mulch materials (5): T1 = Control (without mulch); T2 = Water hyacinth; T3 = Rice straw; T4 = Rice husk; T5 = Ash. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and the differences between means were separated by both Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at 5% level of probability. Mulches showed significant effects on most of the parameters. In the case of variety, the highest grain yield (12.963ton per ha) was recorded from V2. Different organic mulch materials showed different values, the highest values were recorded from T3. Due to this (T3) mulch material. The water retentive capacity of the mulched soil was higher at all the stages of plant growth and ranked in the order of rice straw &gt; water hyacinth &gt; rice husk &gt; ash &gt; control. The highest grain yield (17.407ton per ha) was recorded from T3. . In case of interaction all yield attributing characters include grain yield (19.043ton per ha) was recorded from V2T3. So, KS-510 variety and rice straw mulch combinedly had outstanding superiority for morphophysiological and yield attributes in white maize over the other organic mulches.

Energy-efficient and ecologically friendly technology for growing potatoes under straw mulch

Energy-efficient and ecologically friendly technology for growing potatoes under straw mulch

First Report on the Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Hungarian Organic Mulch Materials on Entomopathogenic and Slug-Parasitic Nematodes

Few researches address the compatibility of organic mulching and entomopathogenic (EPN) and slug-parasitic (SPN) nematodes, although organic mulching may provide favourable conditions for these beneficial organisms. Our aim was to examine the effect of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 5%) of aqueous extracts of green waste compost, the dry leaf litters of the common walnut (Juglans regia) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides) on EPN (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema kraussei) and SPN (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) species. Experiments were set up in 96-well, flat-bottom microplates. After a 24-hour exposure time, the number of dead animals was counted under a transmission microscope. Green waste compost extracts caused quite low or no mortality in case of all examined species. Mortality caused by the 5% Norway maple leaf litter extract was moderate (34.6%) in the case of S. carpocapsae juveniles, while 100% of juveniles of other species died. The highest (5%) concentration of the common walnut leaf litter extract caused 100% mortality in all species. As a conclusion, green waste compost mulch seems to be more compatible with EPN and SPN species than common walnut or Norway maple leaf litter mulch.