Plastic Mulch Research Articles

Evaluation of reflective mulch and insect exclusion coverings for allium leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae) management in allium crops.

Allium leafminer (Phytomyza gymnostoma Loew) is a recent invasive pest in the United States causing serious economic loss in organic allium crops. Organic management of P. gymnostoma is currently limited to foliar applications of spinosad, but this strategy is not always sufficient under high infestations. Nonchemical management tools used either alone or in combination with spinosad are needed to improve P. gymnostoma management. Reflective mulch alone or combined with spinosad as well as insect exclusion coverings were evaluated for managing P. gymnostoma in allium crops in New York from 2018 to 2021. Reflective mulch alone reduced the numbers of oviposition marks by 16% and densities of larvae plus pupae by 40% compared with those in standard plastic mulch. Reflective mulch combined with 1 spinosad application reduced P. gymnostoma densities to levels lower than those in reflective mulch alone, but 2 spinosad applications were required to provide an acceptable control level. Combining with reflective mulch, row covers, and insect netting reduced P. gymnostoma densities by 76% compared with those without physical barriers, and the level of control was comparable to that provided by 2 spinosad applications. Phytomyza gymnostoma densities in allium crops grown under row covers deployed throughout the entire period when flies were active tended to be lower than those protected during shorter periods (80% reduction). Future management of P. gymnostoma in allium crops should consider either combining reflective mulch with 2 foliar spinosad applications or deploying insect exclusion coverings. The advantages and challenges of using these management strategies are discussed.

Pengelolaan Organisme Pengganggu Tanaman Buncis Di Kelurahan Buraen, Kecamatan Amarasi Selatan, Kabupaten Kupang

AbstractThis Community Partnership Program activity aims to increase farmers' knowledge and skills regarding techniques for controlling plant pest organisms (OPT) for beans, in addition to the use of insecticides. The Ruanrete Farmers Group is located in Buraen Village, South Amarasi District, Kupang Regency. Farmers have been carrying out bean cultivation activities using makeshift agricultural equipment manually without new, more modern technology. This area has springs, but farmers have not utilized them optimally. Based on these conditions, through this PKM, outreach activities were carried out regarding the cultivation of chickpeas and the management of pest organisms, training and experimental demonstration plots for managing chickpea pests with yellow traps from used mineral water bottles and environmentally friendly black and silver plastic mulch, guidance and assistance as well as evaluations for find out the obstacles experienced by partner farmers regarding the success of PKM activities. At the end of the activity, farmer group members gained knowledge and skills regarding pests that damage bean plants, how to install black and silver plastic mulch, how to make yellow traps and install them in the field to control pests using environmentally friendly waste mineral water bottles. Overall, farmers were very enthusiastic about receiving the technology introduction which was delivered from preparation, implementation to demonstration plot activities well and smoothly.

Control measure of sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius Fab.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in endemic land of entisol type using mulch and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana

Abstract Sweet potato weevil Cylas formicarius (Fab.) is the main obstacle for sweet potato production in various countries. Root damage caused by C. formicarius larvae reduced root yield up to 100%. The aim of this study is to test the measures using mulch and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for controlling C. formicarius in endemic land of entisol type. The control measure tested was the use of straw mulch and plastic mulch as well as the application of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The research was conducted at the experimental station at Indonesian Legumes and Tuber Crops Research Institute, Malang from July to December 2018. The results showed that the measure for controlling C. formicarius using straw or plastic mulch combined with the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana produces root yields between 17 and 26 t/ha. Using plastic mulch as a cover for mounds with the application of the fungus B. bassiana is more effective and efficient in controlling C. formicarius than the insecticide deltamethrin. Plastic mulch can physically inhibit the process of laying eggs and the formation of C. formicarius larvae, while B. bassiana is toxic to eggs, larvae, and adults of C. formicarius. The efficacy of control measure using plastic mulch and the application of B. bassiana can reduce yield losses by up to 96.76%. Technological innovation using plastic mulch to cover the mound with the application of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana can be recommended to control C. formicarius on land endemic to the entisol type.

Straw strip mulch improves soil moisture similar to plastic film mulch but with a higher net income

Soil surface mulch is an important measure for conserving more moisture and increasing yield in rainfed agroecosystems. Straw strip mulch (SM) is a new mulching technique for clean production, but the regulation mechanisms of SM on soil moisture and potato yield formation is lack of systematic understanding yet. Therefore, a five-year (2018–2022) consecutive field trial on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted in the semiarid rainfed region of Northwest China, using three treatments: full-field black plastic film mulch (PM), SM with 42% of the field area mulched using whole corn stalks, and no mulch as the control (NM). Relative to NM, on average across five growing seasons of potato, SM increased (P < 0.05) the soil moisture in 0–200 cm depth by 6.6%, fresh tuber yield ha−1 by 15.0%, dry tuber yield ha−1 by 23.6%, weight per tuber by 13.3%, net income by 26.3% (8268 ¥ ha−1), and output / input ratio by 10.5%, biomass by 16.5%, water use efficiency 28.5%, but reduced the total water consumption (ET) throughout the potato growth period by 12.9 mm. SM had a similar (P > 0.05) soil moisture in 0–200 cm depth, the total ET, the dry tuber yield and WUE as PM but with a 10.7% (2455 ¥ ha−1) higher net income. Mulching practices not only increased the soil moisture at different growth stages, but also regulated its utilization. Compared with NM, the maximum increase of soil moisture in SM and PM occurred at tuber formation stage. SM and PM decreased water consumptions in early period (sowing to tuber formation) and late period (tuber bulking to maturity), as well as their ratios to total ET, but increased them in middle period (tuber formation to tuber bulking). The increased weight per tuber was the primary yield component that leads to the increased yield in SM and PM. It was concluded that mulching practices improve soil moisture by inhibiting evaporation, increase transpiration ratio to ET, reduce water consumption of early period and its ratio to total ET while increasing them of middle period, resulting in significant increases in biomass and weight per tuber, which were the main mechanisms for yield increases in SM and PM compared to NM. SM is suitable to be popularized in a semiarid rainfed agroecosystem for potato production as an alternative to PM.

Combining water-saving and drought-resistant rice with plastic film mulching mitigates CH4 emissions with higher net economic benefits

Plastic film mulching (PM) and water-saving and drought-resistant rice (WDR) are believed to increase crop yields and decrease CH4 emissions, respectively. Here, a comprehensive estimation is prepared on how the combination of PM and WDR impacts rice yields, CH4 and N2O emissions, global warming potential (GWP), greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI), and net economic ecosystem benefits (NEEB). Shifting continuous flooding (CF) into traditional rainfed (TF) and PM decreased CH4 emissions (35–92 %), GWP (33–91 %), and GHGI (31–88 %). Moreover, PM considerably reduced input costs and GWP costs relative to CF whereas increasing grain yields and yield gains relative to TF, thus promoting NEEB by around 3500 and 6000 CNY ha–1, respectively. Combining PM with WDR further enhanced NEEB by 935 CNY ha–1. The findings indicate that PM with the combination of WDR would be a promising strategy for lower greenhouse gas emissions and higher grain yields and economic benefits in rice agriculture.

Microbiome dynamics of soils covered by plastic and bioplastic mulches

AbstractIn recent decades, the use of plastic mulch in agriculture has largely increased to meet the growing demand for food. Despite their potential benefits, it is still unknown the long-term impact of mulches on soil microbiome. In this study, we compared at a mesocosm level the effects of polyethylene (Plastic) and Mater-bi® (Bioplastic) mulches on the soil physico-chemical (i.e., pH, soil water content, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection-FTIR), microbiological, and biochemical (i.e., microbial respiration, enzymatic activities, abundances and composition of bacterial, fungal and microarthropod communities) properties after 6 and 12 months. The analysis of the microbiome revealed an increase in bacterial richness and diversity in the 12-month-treated bioplastic soils. Members of Solirubrobacterales, Vicinamibacterales, Nitrososphaerales, Crenarchaeota, and Clostridiales were the most abundant following the bioplastic treatment. While the fungal and microarthropod communities varied over time, neither of them was affected by the type of mulching. Further longer-term research is needed to clarify the impact of bioplastic and plastic mulches on the soil microbiome, including microarthropods, and its dynamics over time.

Water footprint and production of rain-fed saffron under different planting methods with ridge plastic mulch and pre-flowering irrigation in a semi-arid region

Most of the saffron cultivation areas in Iran are irrigated and with pre-flowering irrigation being necessary to facilitate flower emergence. However, the growers face shortage of water. Post- flowering rain-fed (PFRF) saffron cultivation could be a solution, and ridge and furrow rainfall harvesting (RFRH) with plastic mulch could be used to collect runoff in the field planting areas. In this regard, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of interaction of two different saffron planting methods (basin and furrow planting), using plastic mulch and without plastic mulch on ridge of the furrow planting, using irrigation at pre-flowering and without irrigation on saffron growth, yield, yield components, economic water productivity (EWP) and water footprint of saffron in two growing seasons with low (167 mm) and high (367 mm) seasonal rainfall in a semi-arid region. Without irrigation in pre-flowering (NPFI) produced a saffron yield reduction of 70% compared with pre-flowering irrigation (PFI). It is concluded that 90 mm of irrigation water should be applied as PFI for adequate flowering and yield. In addition, the use of the RFRH system resulted in a runoff coefficient of 0.85 and increased soil water storage (48% at low seasonal rainfall), saffron yield (51%), leaf dry matter, LDM (90%) and EWP (17%). The blue water footprint (BWF) with low rainfall (165 mm) was higher than that with abundant rainfall (367 mm), because saffron yield in the second year was lower due to the older age of saffron in field, which resulted in lower yield and consequently higher BWF. Likewise, green water footprint (GWF) was higher (4810 m3 kg−1) than those that obtained as BWF (739 m3 kg−1) due to the fact that pre-flowering irrigation is necessary for onset of flower and the regional rainfall is insufficient to initiate flowering. The effects of low seasonal precipitation (less than 200 mm) on saffron were manifested in yield and LDM reduction of 70% and 42%, respectively, compared to high seasonal precipitation, decreasing as seasonal precipitation increased. Precipitation reached around 300 mm in rain-fed with pre-flowering irrigation caused no reduction in saffron yield and LDM. Therefore, in PFRF conditions, furrow planting with ridge plastic mulch and pre-flowering irrigation is recommended. The economic water footprint of saffron under PFRF conditions with PFI was 50% of that obtained for irrigated saffron production, which is preferable in virtual water trade.

PENGARUH JENIS PUPUK DAN MULSA TERHADAP TINGKAT INFESTASI HAMA PADA Capsicum annuum

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect silver plastic mulch combined with theapplication of bokashi fertilizer on chili plants. This study was carried out from August toNovember 2021. This study had 18 treatment units consisting of: A1: planting mediafertilized with bokashi and covered with silver plastic mulch, A2: growing media fertilizedwith bokashi and without mulch, B1: growing media fertilized with Urea, SP36, KCL andcovered with silver plastic mulch, B2: growing media fertilized with Urea, SP36, KCLwithout mulch, C1: planting media fertilized with Urea, SP36, KCL + bokashi and coveredwith silver plastic mulch, C2: planting media was fertilized with bokashi + Urea, SP36, KCL,without mulch. The results showed that the use of mulch and bokashi gave better results(least pest infestation of all treatment), but statistically there was no significant differencebetween the treatments on the observed variables.

Insight into enhanced photogeneration mechanism of reactive intermediates from dissolved black carbon by co-pyrolysis of plastics and biomass

The dissolved black carbon (DBC) derived from co-pyrolysis of plastic and biomass be released into aquatic environment. DBC was an important photoactive constituent, however, the photochemical activity of DBC from the co-pyrolysis plastic and biomass remains unclear. Herein three popular plastic wastes (polystyrene, PS; polylactic acid, PLA; plastic mulch film, PMF) and pine needle biomass prepared co-pyrolysis biochar, and effects of co-pyrolysis plastics on DBC’s photogeneration ability of reactive intermediates, affecting pollutant photodegradation, were investigated. In comparison to individual DBC, the mixed DBC from co-pyrolysis biochar had a lower molecular weight and more oxygen-containing groups. Quantum yields of singlet oxygen (1O2) and triplet state DBC (3DBC*) from mixed DBC were higher, especially PMF-DBC since its lower aromaticity and molecular weight connected with its higher E2/E3 and lower SUVA254 values. Steady-state photochemical experiment demonstrated 3DBC* formation rates for mixed DBC were lower than individual DBC, while the second-order reaction rate constants of 3DBC* with 2,4,6-trimethylphenol for mixed DBC were higher than that of individual DBC. Quenching experiment by sorbic acid to distinguish high/low-energy triplets revealed that contributions of low-energy triplets to 3DBC* and 1O2 generation decreased relative to individual DBC, indicating the transformation of reductive groups to oxidative groups, which was supported by the phototransformation kinetics. Quantum yields of 3DBC* and 1O2 were positively linear correlations with E2/E3 using twenty DBC samples. These findings are helpful in understanding DBC’s photochemical activity from co-pyrolysis of plastics and biomass, especially in aquatic environments adjacent to soil amended by biochar.

The prolonged effect of film mulch and P application on lucerne forage yield in a semiarid environment.

Limited water and soil phosphorus (P) availability often hampers lucerne productivity in semiarid regions. Plastic film mulch and P application typically enhance young lucerne (2-3 years) productivity by increasing soil water use and P availability. However, the prolonged impact of film mulch and P application on lucerne productivity as the stand ages remains unclear. This study conducted a 9-year field experiment on the semiarid Loess Plateau to investigate how film mulch and P application affect lucerne forage yield, soil water content, and soil fertility. The field experiment used a split-plot design with randomized blocks, in which the whole plots were with (M1) and without plastic film mulch (M0), and the split plots were four P rates (0 (P0), 9.7 (P1), 19.2 (P2), and 28.8 (P3) kg P ha-1). The M1 treatment produced significantly higher lucerne forage yields than the M0 treatment during the first five years, but the yield-increasing effect of film mulch gradually diminished over time, with no effect in Years 6-8, and lower yields than the M0 treatment in Year 9. Phosphorus fertilization significantly increased forage yield after Year 3 in the M0 treatment, but only in Years 3-5 in the M1 treatment. In Years 2-5, film mulch significantly increased soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), inorganic N, and microbial biomass carbon in P0, P1, and P2 but not in P3. However, in Years 7-9, film mulch significantly decreased soil available potassium (K), organic carbon mineralization, lucerne density, and shoot K concentration, but did not reduce soil N and P availability at any level P of application. Moreover, plastic film mulch significantly increased the soil water content at 0-300 cm deep from Year 7 onwards. In conclusion, film mulch ceased to enhance lucerne production beyond year 6, which could not be attributed to soil water content, N or P availability but was partially associated with reduced soil K availability. Consequently, future research should focus on soil K availability, and K addition should be considered after five years in lucerne pastures mulched with plastic film in semiarid areas.

Fabrication of multi-functional biodegradable liquid mulch utilizing xyloglucan derived from tamarind waste for agricultural application

Biodegradable liquid mulch is considered a promising alternative to plastic mulch for sustainable agriculture. This work proposed a xyloglucan-based liquid mulch with multi-function using a combination of chemical modification and blending methods. The esterification product of tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) from forestry wastes was synthesized with benzoic anhydride (BA). The effect of esterification modification was investigated, and BA-TXG was utilized as a film-forming and sand-fixation agent. The rheological properties, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity were improved following esterification. Additionally, waterborne polyurethane and urea were incorporated into the mulch to enhance its mechanical strength (23.28 MPa, 80.71 %), and homogeneity, as well as improve its nutritive properties. The xyloglucan-based liquid mulch has excellent UV protection, a high haze value (approximately 90 %), and retains water at a rate of 80.45 %. SEM and immersion experiment showed the effect of xyloglucan-based liquid mulch on sustainable sand-fixation. Moreover, the liquid mulch treatment demonstrated an impressive germination rate of 83.8 % and degradation rate of 51.59 % (60 days). The modified polysaccharide film increases stability and slows down the degradation rate. Tamarind xyloglucan-based liquid mulch exhibits powerful and diverse optical properties as well as sand fixation functions, indicating their great potential in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to plastic mulch.

Combining slow-release fertilizer and plastic film mulching reduced the carbon footprint and enhanced maize yield on the Loess Plateau

Agricultural practices significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, necessitating cleaner production technologies to reduce environmental pressure and achieve sustainable maize production. Plastic film mulching is commonly used in the Loess Plateau region. Incorporating slow-release fertilizers as a replacement for urea within this practice can reduce nitrogen losses and enhance crop productivity. Combining these techniques represents a novel agricultural approach in semi-arid areas. However, the impact of this integration on soil carbon storage (SOCS), carbon footprint (CF), and economic benefits has received limited research attention. Therefore, we conducted an eight-year study (2015–2022) in the semi-arid northwestern region to quantify the effects of four treatments [urea supplied without plastic film mulching (CK-U), slow-release fertilizer supplied without plastic film mulching (CK-S), urea supplied with plastic film mulching (PM-U), and slow-release fertilizer supplied with plastic film mulching (PM-S)] on soil fertility, economic and environmental benefits. The results revealed that nitrogen fertilizer was the primary contributor to total GHG emissions (≥71.97%). Compared to other treatments, PM-S increased average grain yield by 12.01%–37.89%, water use efficiency by 9.19%–23.33%, nitrogen accumulation by 27.07%–66.19%, and net return by 6.21%–29.57%. Furthermore, PM-S decreased CF by 12.87%–44.31% and CF per net return by 14.25%–41.16%. After eight years, PM-S increased SOCS (0–40 cm) by 2.46%, while PM-U decreased it by 7.09%. These findings highlight the positive effects of PM-S on surface soil fertility, economic gains, and environmental benefits in spring maize production on the Loess Plateau, underscoring its potential for widespread adoption and application.

Impact of plastic mulching and residue return on maize yield and soil organic carbon storage in irrigated dryland areas under climate change

The widespread adoption of returning crop residue to regulate soil properties and improve yields has been well-established. However, the long-term effects of residue return on soil organic carbon (SOC) and yield in film-mulched farmland, especially under future climate conditions, are still unclear. To address this issue, we utilized the SPACSYS model, which was calibrated with 5-year (2016–2020) field experiment data from various mulching and fertilization treatments in the Hetao irrigation district in northwest China. Furthermore, we investigated the impacts of climate change on SOC storage in 20 cm and maize yield with calibrated SPACSYS model driven by 27 global climate models under two climate scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) from CMIP6. We considered multiple combinations of agronomic options: five residue return levels (R1: 20%; R2: 40%; R3: 60%; R4: 80%; R5: 100%) and three return depths (D1: surface applied; D2: 10 cm; D3: 20 cm) to evaluate the effects of residue return on SOC storage and yield. We found that yield at a high fertilization rate with transparent film mulching (HT) would increase by 10.1% under SSP245, 15.3% under SSP585 in 2021–2060 compared to the baseline (1981–2020). By contrast, the yield would decrease by 5.8% under SSP245, 21.7% under SSP585 in 2061–2100. SOC storage under HT would decrease by 9.4–12.7% and 18.4–41.4% in 2021–2060 and 2061–2100, respectively. We determined that the optimal treatment involves returning 100% of residue to a depth of 20 cm (R5D3). Under R5D3, yield showed an increasing trend in both two future periods; the SOC storage decreased by 4.8–6.8% in 2021–2060 and increased by 3.9–16.1% in 2061–2100 compared to the baseline under HT. Our results highlight the potential of residue return to increase yield while maintaining soil health when film mulching is adopted.

Nano-iron and AM fungi inoculation in dryland wheat field: A sustainable alternative to plastic film mulching

ContextPlastic film mulching is a primary cultivation measure in the dryland agricultural areas of northwest China, but comes with the drawback of plastic pollution. To overcome this issue, the biological inoculants such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) with nanotechnology might be a critical pathway, but their positive effects on plants are context-dependent and vary with species, application method, concentration, size, surface charge, and other physio-chemical properties. There is so far limited information available on the combined effects of AM fungi with nanoparticles in agriculture. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the potential of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) in combination with AMF regarding wheat productivity maintenance and its driving mechanism. MethodsHerein, we used a completely randomized block design for the field experiments in the years 2018 and 2019. We conducted two field experiments using nanopriming of seeds with iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) and AMF in two growing seasons in 2018 and 2019 on wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Longchun29) in the field. Each plot had a 5 m × 5 m total area having 6 rows of 0.2 m spacing and 0.5 m buffer strip among the neighboring plots. There were 8 treatments in the field experiment, and each treatment was repeated 3 times, including four nano iron concentration seed soaking treatments (0 mg L-1, 5 mg L-1, 10 mg L-1, 15 mg L-1) and two inoculation treatments of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (inoculated with Gi and non-inoculated). ResultsCombined treatments with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and iron nanoparticles led to significant increases in wheat biomass and yield across 2018 and 2019. When compared with control treatment there was an increase of 111% in biomass for the year 2018 and a 102% increase was observed for the year 2019; while the increase in the yield percent when compared to control was 91% in 2018 and 85% in 2019 respectively. Water use efficiency for yield (WUE) increased by 92% in 2018 and 57% in 2019. The colonization rate of AMF + FeNPs 10 mg L-1 treatment increased by 223%, 88%, and 211%, respectively compared with control at the jointing, anthesis, and maturity stage in 2018; and increased by 48%, 37%, and 56% respectively in the year 2019. FeNPs at 10 mg L-1 led to small increases in total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen (MBC), and (MBN), in both growing seasons, and AMF inoculation further significantly increased these carbon fractions by 2.6%, 20%, 21% and 26% in 2018; while 1.3%, 14.8%, 12.5%, and 35% in 2019 respectively. ConclusionThe combined treatments of FeNPs and AMF at an optimal concentration (10 mg L-1) significantly increased net economic income by 229% in 2018 and 138% in 2019 when compared to the control. In this study, wheat aboveground biomass and yield and other related parameters have been improved under field trials, which verified that AMF inoculation alongside FeNPs, can play a beneficial role in promoting dryland spring wheat. ImplicationsTaken together, the co-inoculation with FeNPs and AMF displayed a promising perspective in green production with the potential replacement of plastic film mulching in semiarid dryland regions.

Varietal Evaluation And Assessment Of Plastic Mulches For Growth, Yield And Fruit Quality Of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Under Protected Environment

Different genotypes and mulches are readily available in the market but Indian farmers are unaware about the performance of these genotypes and mulches in a particular region under protected environment. Therefore, considering the foregoing circumstances, the experiment was performed at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Khalsa College, Amritsar in the spring-summer season 2022-2023 in Factorial Randomized Block Design comprising of 15 treatment combinations having five levels of mulches i.e. double shaded plastic mulch (M1), black plastic mulch (M2), red plastic mulch (M3), yellow plastic mulch (M4) and no mulch (M5) and three genotypes i.e. EZ-9003 (G1), NS-4266 (G2) and check PTH-1 (G3). The objective of the research was to study the effect of different plastic mulches on the growth, yield, and quality of tomato genotypes and to identify the most promising genotype(s) under the protected environment. The outcomes revealed that double-shaded plastic mulch surpassed other mulches for all the growth and yield-related parameters except days to first picking. Based on mean performance, significant variations have been observed in all the genotypes for various attributes which convey that PTH-1 (check) and NS-4266 are the best genotypes for growth, yield and its related traits taken under study. Biochemical analysis discovered that red and black plastic mulches surpass other treatments, whereas NS-4266 performed well for pericarp thickness and lycopene content, while check PTH-1 and EZ-9003 were best for processing purpose. The two-way interaction of Mulch (M) × Genotypes (G) was found non-significant for all the parameters omitting ascorbic acid content. The maximum net returns and B: C ratio were obtained in genotype NS-4266 and double-shaded plastic mulch under protected conditions for the agro-climatic region of Punjab. Therefore, double-shaded plastic mulch and genotypes PTH-1 (check) and NS-4266 are recommended to the farmers of Punjab to get maximum yield and returns from small holdings of land through protected cultivation.

Analysis of Curly Red Chili Farming at Farmer-Level in Kerinci Highland

Curly red chili (Capsicum annum L.) is a horticultural commodity with high economic value and a big role in domestic needs, export commodities, and the food industry. Chili production at Kerinci farmer level still needs to be increased due to low knowledge of chili cultivation technology, pest attacks, and the use of superior varieties. This research aims to determine cultivation technology and farming analysis of curly red chili in Kerinci Highlands. The research was carried out at the chili production center in Sungai Lintang Village, Kayu Aro Barat District, Kerinci Regency, from October to December 2022. Brief understanding of rural areas by meeting with village community leaders and chili producers followed by interviews with selected respondents using a questionnaire of 30 farmers consisting of three groups. Each group consists of 10 farmers based on the chili planting time in early 2022. Analysis of chili farming that uses plastic mulch with productivity of 8,860 kg/ha and without plastic mulch with 6,480 kg/ha. Economically, chili farming at the farmer level in Kerinci is profitable with an R/C ratio of 1.47 and a B/C ratio of 2.47 for respondents using plastic mulch and an R/C ratio of 0.83 and B/C ratio of 1.83 for respondents without plastic mulch.

Interaction of Heavy Metals with Plastic Contaminated Soil

Microplastic (MP) contamination is a threat to soil and groundwater system. Disintegration of used plastic products under exposure to solar radiations, application of sewage sludge to the soil, plastic mulching in agricultural activities leads to the formation of microplastics in significant amounts in soil. Hence there is a need from the geo environment engineering perspective on microplastic contamination in soils. Landfills and industrial areas have microplastic pollution in abundance. The presence of microplastic may alter the behaviour of liner material and surface soil in terms of heavy metal retention capacity, shrinkage, permeability and various other properties. In the present study, the soil is artificially polluted with shredded polypropylene (Pp) fragments from single use facial mask which is extensively being used in post COVID-19 situation. Heavy metals such as Lead, Nickel, Copper and Zinc at different concentrations similar to an industrially polluted soil is applied to the plastic contaminated (Pc) and normal soil. The filtrates from the test batches are studied for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and concentration of heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The obtained results concluded that plastic pollution significantly varied leached out heavy metals concentration to a maximum of 4.9 times that of normal soil. The TDS of the filtrate collected from plastic polluted soil varied by 31.29%.

Effect of Mulching on Soil Temperatures and Its Impact on Plasmodiophora brassicae and Clubroot.

Clubroot caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is a serious soilborne disease on cruciferous crops worldwide. Agricultural practice is a preferable clubroot management strategy because of its low investment requirement and environmental safety. Among the agricultural practices, solarization has been widely applied in the integrated management of other soilborne diseases. However, only few reports exist on the effect of solarization on clubroot management. In this study, we measured the effect of plastic mulching on soil temperature at different depths and on clubroot incidence and severity under greenhouse and field conditions. The pathogen density in the soil after solarization was measured by quantitative PCR analysis. Results indicated that the mulching treatment increased soil temperature especially in the soil layer ranges of 0 to 20 cm. Solarization with mulching also effectively reduced the incidence and severity of clubroot in the greenhouse assay and the field trial by decreasing the P. brassicae population in the soil. This study suggested that solarization with mulching can impair clubroot development and thus contribute to the sustainable management of clubroot.

Assessment on Distinct types of Crops in Kanchipuram District using Organic, Fertilizers, Pesticides and Plastic Mulching at Different Seasons

Our nation is a major economic player, providing a significant source of revenue for more than half of India's population. The country’s financial area depends on the rural exercises that assume a critical role in the public's advancement. The region picked for the review is Kanchipuram Locale in Tamil Nadu, which absolutely relies upon the horticultural pay from the various yields. The contribution of farming to the economy as well as the monetary state of the ranchers has been ought in this period of innovation. With 47% of the population working in agriculture, it is the most common occupation. Paddy is the major crop developed in Kanchipuram district. Other important crops include Millets like Ragi, Maize, Cumbu and Samai; pulses like Black gram, Green gram, Red gram, horse gram, and cow pea; oil seeds like groundnut, Gingelly, sunflower and Castor and sugarcane. Brinjal and Watermelon started using plastic mulching, which gives 3-4% profit in Kanchipuram’s district. The aim of this assessment is to study the agricultural sector of Kanchipuram district's major crops in different climatic environments like Navarai, Samba, Sornawari, etc. However, agricultural pollution has already begun as a result of contemporary agricultural methods like plastic mulching. Comparisons between organic mulching and plastic mulching materials are difficult since outcomes depend on the selected strategy, growth techniques and environmental factors. Due to the current agricultural byproducts like plastic mulching, this process promotes damage to the ecology, land, and environment. To overcome agricultural pollution, organic mulching and greenhouse technology are suggested.

Vigna unguiculata: a productive option in the face of climate change?

Faced with the challenges of extreme climatic events and increasing food demand, cowpea farming offers a viable option for generating grains and foliage while aiding soil preservation. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of diverse organic fertilizers and plastic mulches on cowpea yields and soil macrofauna. A completely randomized block design was employed, with a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 + 1, encompassing plastic mulch (3.5 mm) color (white, black, and blue), organic fertilizer (compost of chicken manure-agricultural soil-dolomite, island guano, and cattle manure compost), as well as a control (without synthetic mulch and organic fertilization). The study evaluated soil temperature, plant height, area biomass, foliar macronutrients, yield, and soil macrofauna. The findings demonstrate that soil temperature varies based on the color of the plastic mulch. It was observed that using organic fertilizers resulted in significantly taller plants than the control group, with fresh and dry biomass weight also being significantly greater (p&amp;lt;0.05) for cattle manure compost compared to the other treatments. Furthermore, the use of plastic mulches had an impact on soil macrofauna. Cowpea displayed resistance to low soil fertility and fluctuations in soil temperature ranging from &amp;lt;35°C to &amp;gt;40°C. However, high precipitation during the fruiting and harvesting seasons significantly impacted grain yields. Organic fertilizers produced noticeable variances (p&amp;lt;0.05) in the aerial biomass weight of cowpeas, particularly cattle manure compost. The data, indicates that soil macrofauna, like the earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus, improved the availability of N, P, and K to the plant during the reproductive stage. Plastic mulches and organic fertilizers were linked to an increase in earthworm weights, specifically P. corethrurus. Additionally, plastic mulches served as a physical barrier against ants and bugs.