Silver Plastic Mulch Research Articles

Effect of Silver Black Plastic Mulch and Organic Fertilizer Dosage on Plant Chlorophyll Growth and Content Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

Cayenne pepper is one of the leading horticultural products in the agricultural sector in Indonesia. In order for plants to grow optimally and produce well, it is necessary to apply silver black plastic mulch and a dose of organic fertilizer. This study aims to determine the growth and chlorophyll content of cayenne pepper plants using black silver plastic mulch and doses of organic fertilizer. The study used a randomized block design with 8 treatment combinations and 3 repetitions. The arrangement of treatments was as follows: M0P0: without mulch + 0 kg/m2, M0P1: without mulch+ 1 kg/m2, M0P2: without mulch+ 1.5 kg/m2, M0P3: without mulch+ 2 kg/m2, M1P0: MPHP + 0 kg /m2, M1P1: MPHP + 1 kg/m2, M1P2: MPHP + 1.5 kg/m2, M1P3: MPHP + 2 kg/m2. The results on plant height and leaf number observations on days 28 and 40 showed that the silver black plastic mulch factor make a real impact. Organic fertilizer significantly affected leaf length on day 40, while the interaction of silver black plastic mulch and dose of organic fertilizer affected leaf length and leaf area on day 40. The best combination in this study was black silver plastic mulch and a dose of 1.5 kg organic fertilizer/m2.

Effects of mulching and nutritional strategies on the growth and yield of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

The effect of mulching and nutrition on the growth and yield of sweet basil was examined by experimenting with four mulch treatments, viz., without mulch, black plastic, silver plastic, and organic mulch combined with four different nutrient compositions, viz., a 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), a combination of 75% RDF with humic acid, 75% RDF with microbial consortia and 75% RDF, and humic acid and microbial consortia, which served as sixteen treatment combinations with 100% RDF without mulch as a control. Among the different treatments, mulch had a significant effect on growth and yield parameters, with black plastic mulch having the maximum plant height (88.20 cm), number of branches (14.95), plant spread (5415 cm2), stem diameter (12.64 mm), fresh herbage yield (24.55 t/ha) and dry herbage yield (8.72 t/ha). Thus, the study revealed that among the various mulch treatments, black plastic mulch significantly enhanced the growth and yield parameters of sweet basil, demonstrating its efficacy in promoting optimal plant development and productivity.

Innovative farming techniques for superior okra yield in Chitwan, Nepal: The benefits of plastic film mulch and pest exclusion net on soil properties, growth, quality and profitability

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a large-acreage cultivated, nutritious, commercial fruit vegetable crop in tropical and subtropical regions that plays a dominant role in Nepalese cuisine in the summer. Modified growing conditions through pest exclusion nets (PEN) and types of mulch on okra might be effective techniques to enhance yield and marketable production. Research is performed to investigate the effects of PEN and plastic film on the performance and yield of okra. An experiment laid out single factorial randomized complete block design with four replications and five treatments consists of: a) Control (No net + no mulch), b) Organic mulch (Rice straw mulch), c) Black plastic mulch, d) Silver plastic mulch, e) Pest exclusion net + black plastic mulch; on Swastik-2 F1 variety. The data were analyzed R software at the (p ≤ 0.05) level of significance and mean comparison is done using (Dunken Multiple Range Test) DMRT. This study revealed that silver plastic mulch and black plastic mulch treatment statistically resulted in pars & significantly higher yield (30.74 and 29.39 mt ha−1), leaf number/plant (27.98 and 26.73), branch number/plant (5 all), fruit number/plant (33 & 29) and the lowest days to flowering (39 & 40 days) compared to control; while PEN+black plastic mulching treatment resulted in higher plant height (212.93 cm), stem diameter (2.54 cm), fruit length (18.26 cm), fruit diameter (1.73 cm), fruit weight (32.80 g), longest days to flowering (43 days) and lowest leaf number per plant (15.58), branches/plant (4), yield (20.4 mt ha−1), light intensity (110.32 lx) which is undesirable yield perspectives but insect pest population is significantly lower in PEN results superior quality than other treatmets. Black plastic films and PEN+ black mulch raise soil temperature (max 34.89 °C) and increase soil moisture (18.15% vol) during germination. Plant inside PEN +black plastic mulching received low light intensity had higher vegetative growth but found with low yield. Plants in control and straw mulch treatments were found to have low vegetative growth and yield (22.7 and 24.4 tons/ha). Farmers can use silver and Black plastic plastics mulch, which are economically more viable and Productive as compared to other treatments for commercial cultivation of okra.

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.

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.

Growth and production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the lowland on various types of mulch

This study aims to determine the effect of mulch treatment on the growth and production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the lowlands. The research was conducted in Lempong Village, Bola District, Wajo Regency located 78 m above sea level (asl) with an average temperature of 24ºC - 33ºC. This research was set using a Split Plot Design (SPD) with garlic varieties set as the main plots consisting of highland (var. Lumbu Hijau) and lowland varieties (var. Lumbu Putih) while mulch types were set as subplots consisting of control (no mulch), black silver plastic mulch, rice straw mulch, Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) leaves mulch, and banana leaves mixed with stem mulch. Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times. The results show that the Lumbu Putih variety had better growth and production than the Lumbu Hijau on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, and number cloves per tuber. Straw mulch showed the best effect in suppressing soil temperature (28.5ºC). Banana leaves and stem mulch was the best type of mulch compared to control and other mulches on parameters of plant height, number of leaves, and number of cloves per tuber. The interaction between the Lumbu Putih variety and banana leaf and stem mulch produced the highest production per hectare (1.6 ton ha−1).

Effect of Different Mulching Material on Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] Hybrid under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

The present field experiment was carried out during 2021-2022 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and nine treatments. The investigation was carried out with a view to study the effect of different mulching material on growth, yield and quality of watermelon. The results of the experiment revealed that plant growth was superior with silver plastic mulch with respect to days of germination, numbers of branches per vine and vine length. Plants without mulch (control) resulted poor growth. Watermelon plants mulched with silver plastic recorded maximum number of leaves; whereas, minimum was in control. The yield characters such as fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and number of fruits per plot were recorded significantly highest in the mulch treatment with silver plastic mulch. Similarly, the highest fruit yield per plot (27.52kg) and fruit yield per hectare of watermelon (66.04 t/ha) was also observed with the same treatment. From the economic point of view, silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and also highest cost ratio. The quality characters such as highest fruit pulp weight and lowest acidity were noted in mulching treatment silver plastic mulch. This treatment also recorded maximum vitamin C, TSS. It is concluded that application different mulches in which silver plastic mulch significantly superior in growth, yield and quality parameter. Similarly, with economic point of view, treatment silver plastic mulch resulted in the highest net return and cost: benefit ratio.

Simulation of Maize Phenology and Grain Yield Using DSSAT Model

The field experiment was conducted at the Farm of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Godhra, Gujarat during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 to simulate the phenology and yield of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy loam soil of the central Gujarat. The field experiment design was split split plot with 36 treatment combinations with 3 replications including three irrigation regimes (1.0IW/CPE, 0.8IW/CPE and 0.6IW/CPE), four mulch conditions (control, paddy straw, black plastic, and reflective silver plastic mulch), and three stages (tasselling, silking and dough stage). The experimental data of the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 was used for the calibration and validation of the model respectively. The result revealed a significant difference in grain yield due to irrigation regime, mulching and growth stages. The DSSAT model could good simulate grain yield (R2 = 0.989) under the simulation of irrigation regimes, mulching, and growth stages.

The Effect of Various Kinds of Mulch on the Growth and Production of Chili Plants

This study aims to determine the effect of mulching on the growth and production of chili plants. This study used a randomized block design, with 6 treatments and 4 replications. One treatment 4 sample plants. The treatments used are as follows: M0: Without using mulch; M1= Using reed mulch; M2 = Using rice straw mulch; M3 = Use silver black plastic mulch; M4 = Using clear plastic mulch; M5 = Use clear mulch covered with newspaper. The variables observed were plant height, number of secondary branches, fruit weight per plant, dry plant weight and production per hectare. Based on the results of the research that has been carried out, it was concluded that: black silver plastic mulch treatment gave the best effect on the growth and production of chili plants, such as plant height, number of secondary branches, fruit weight of each plant, dry weight of plant trunks, and production per hectare. Meanwhile, the production of red chilies per hectare produced by silver black plastic mulch has a higher capacity of 8.02 tons/ha and the lowest yield is 3.01 tons/ha of clear plastic mulch.

Effect of Irrigation Regimes and Mulching on the Crop Physiology and Yield of Rabi Maize (Zea mays)

Agriculture is a vital sector of India’s economy and plays a significant role in providing food security, employment, and contributing to the country’s overall development. Maize is a crucial crop within the agriculture sector in India. Maize cultivation contributes to crop diversification in Indian agriculture. It serves as an alternative crop option for farmers, reducing dependence on traditional crops like rice and wheat. Diversification helps in maintaining soil health through crop rotation. A field experiment was conducted at the Farm of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Godhra, Gujarat during the year 2018-19, to study the influence of drip irrigation regimes with mulching on the physiological development and yield of the rabi maize (Zea mays L.) in the sandy loam soil of the region of Middle Gujarat. The field experiment design was a split-split plot with 36 treatment combinations with 3 replications including three irrigation regimes (1.0IW/CPE, 0.8IW/CPE and 0.6IW/CPE), four mulch conditions (control, paddy straw, black plastic and reflective silver plastic mulch), and three stages (tasselling, silking and dough stage). The result revealed that as the consumption of water increased, growth parameters, grain yield, and its attributes increased significantly at each higher level of irrigation regimes up to 1.0 IW/CPE with reflective silver plastic mulch under all the stages but 0.8 IW/CPE with black plastic mulch result was comparable to 1.0 IW/CPE with reflective silver plastic mulch. The reflective nature of silver mulch scatters light, ensuring better light distribution throughout the plant canopy. This can enhance photosynthesis and promote more uniform plant growth. Black plastic mulch absorbs and retains heat from sunlight, raising soil temperatures. This is advantageous in cooler climates or during the early growing season, as it promotes earlier germination, faster growth, and improved crop productivity.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN MULSA DAN BEBERAPA JENIS PUPUK DAUN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TERUNG (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplant is a type of vegetable that is used as an ingredient in vegetables or fresh vegetables. The nutritional content of eggplant is very high, especially the content of vitamin A and phosphorus. However, eggplant productivity has decreased along with the lack of nutrients absorbed. Therefore, mulch and foliar fertilizer are the right innovations to be applied to support the eggplant. The existence of mulch to suppress the growth of weeds and the availability of nutrients N, P, and K in the soil. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of mulch and foliar fertilizer to the growth and production of eggplant plants. This research was conducted in Banjarejo Village, Kedungpring District, Lamongan Regency. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with a factorial pattern with 3 replications, consisting of 2 factors, namely: type of mulch (M) and leaf fertilizer (D). The first factor consisted of 3 types of mulch, namely: no mulch (M0), straw mulch (M1) and silver black plastic mulch (M2). The second factor of foliar fertilizer consisted of 3 levels, namely: growmore foliar fertilizer (D1), mamigro foliar fertilizer (D2), and gandasil D (M3) leaf fertilizer. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the application of mulch and foliar fertilizers on the growth and production of eggplant plants had an interaction between the treatment of mulch and foliar fertilizers on plant height (42 DAP), fruit diameter, plant weight, and fruit weight per hectare at the age of 77 DAP. The application of black silver plastic mulch and mamigro leaf fertilizer got the best results on the parameters of plant height, fruit diameter, plant weight and fruit weight per hectare.

Performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) to different irrigation levels and mulches under drip irrigation system

The present study was carried out at Lovely Professional university, Phagwara, Punjab during 2019 to study the performance of okra under irrigation levels and mulching methods under drip irrigation. The treatment comprised of 3 irrigation levels (1.0 ETc, 0.8 ETc and 0.6 ETc) and 5 mulch methods (black plastic mulch, silver plastic mulch, straw mulch, soil mulch and no mulch) laid out in split plot design replicated thrice. The growth and yield attributes were significantly influenced by irrigation levels and mulching methods. The irrigation level I2 (0.8 ETc) significantly exhibited maximum plant height (100.45 cm), number of branches per plant (1.77), and yield per plant (216.59 g) whereas irrigation level I1 (1.0 ETc) recorded maximum pod yield (15.59 tonnes/ha) which is at par with irrigation level I2 (15.36 tonnes/ha). The black plastic mulch was found significantly superior over no mulch treatments in terms plant height, number of branches, pod yield per plant, pod yield (19.09 tonnes/ha). The maximum water use efficiency (0.41 tonnes/ha-cm) was recorded in irrigation treatment I3 and in black plastic mulch (0.46 tonnes/ha-cm). The interaction effect of irrigation and mulching not showed significant difference on pod yield but significantly affected water use efficiency. At interaction effect, the maximum water use efficiency (0.56 tonnes/ha-cm) in combination of I3 and M1. Maximum B:C ratio was recorded in irrigation level I1 (3.49) which is at par with I2 (3.40). Black plastic mulch recorded higher B:C ratio (3.40). The interaction effect did not showed significant effect on B:C ratio. Looking the higher yield of crop, water use efficiency and higher B:C ratio, it can be recommended that okra crop showed good performance under irrigation level I2 and black plastic mulch.

Implementasi Teknologi Pengelolaan Lahan Penghasil Cabai melalui Kegiatan Budidaya dan Diversifikasi pada Masyarakat Birayang Batang Alai Selatan

Management of land potential in an area requires technological innovation to produce good quality. Proper land management and processing can improve the product and standard of living of the local community. Chili commodity is a very strategic commodity, where the development of this commodity will never experience a decline and even tends to continue to be increased, due to the high level of demand and consumption. Seeing this, it is very necessary to carry out activities with the background of activities, namely 1) The local community does not realize that their area has the potential for the development of various chilies, and 2) There is still limited public knowledge regarding the use of land suitability management, cultivation technology, and post-harvest technology of various chilies. The purpose of this activity is to build community capacity by developing and utilizing the potential of both natural and human resources in order to improve the community's standard of living. The method used in the Birayang Batang Alai Selatan Village is to carry out 1) Site Surveys and Community Identification, 2) Socialization of Activity Programs, 3) Extension and Training, 4) Mentoring and Continuous Guidance. The technique used in chili cultivation is MPHP (black silver plastic mulch). Community empowerment in addition to the implementation of cultivation for women through diversification of chili-based food. The result of this activity is the achievement of maximum chili production, due to suitable land supported by appropriate technology. This technology is expected to be followed by other communities and is sustainable and more optimal which is expected to improve the welfare of the community.

PENGARUH JENIS MULSA DAN PUPUK KNO3 TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

In the Tomato cultivation in the lowlands, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are things that need to be considered in order to increase the growth and production of tomatoes. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the environmental conditions with applying mulch, such as plastic mulch or organic mulch. In addition, increased production can be done by fertilizing potassium nitrate (KNO3) which is more practical to use because it has two nutrient contents, namely potassium and nitrogen. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between mulch and potassium nitrate (KNO3) on the growth and production of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.). This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factorials. The first factor was the type of mulch which consists of 4 levels of treatment, which are without mulch, black silver plastic mulch, rice straw mulch, reed mulch. The second factor was the concentration of potassium nitrate (KNO3) which consists of 4 levels of treatment, namely 0, 3, 6, 9 g / l. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, in order to obtain 48 experimental units. The results showed that the interaction effect of the type of mulch and potassium nitrate (KNO3) was significant on the parameters of plant height, harvest age, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, fruit weight per fruit, and number of residual fruits. The best treatment combination was the use of rice straw mulch and a concentration of 9 g/l KNO3 fertilizer.

Analysis of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Growth Due to Treatment of Vermicompost and Different Types of Mulch

Beans are vegetables that are widely cultivated in Indonesia. The growth of beans is determined by internal and external factors. The external factor that affects the growth of beans is the availability of nutrients. Vermicompost is an organic fertilizer that can be used to increase beans growth. Research has been carried out on Analysis of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Growth Due to Treatment of Vermicompost and Different Types of Mulch. This study aims to determine: (1) the effect of the type of mulch on the growth of beans, (2) the effect of different doses of vermicompost on the growth of beans, (3) the effect of the combination of different types of mulch and the dose of vermicompost on the growth of beans. In this study, a 2-factor design with 4 replications was used. Bean growth parameters include number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and plant height. Data were analyzed by Anova. The results of the study were: (1) the application of vermicompost significantly increased the number of leaves and plant height, but could not increase the length and width of the beans leaves. (2) the use of mulch can increase the number of leaves, stem height, number of leaves and leaf width of beans, black silver plastic mulch gives better results than rice straw mulch, (3) the interaction of mulch type and dose of vermicompost has no significant effect on all growth parameters measured.

Effect of Mulch Type and Application of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Pumpkin Plants (Cucurbita moschata)

The production of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Durch) continues to increase. Optimize the production results, a special treatment is needed. The treatment can be in the form of cultivation techniques such as giving mulch or applying appropriate fertilizers. Research is located on Jl. Kaping Gajah No.45, Jatimulyo Village, Lowokwaru District, Malang City. Observation of parameters: observing the length of the tendrils, number of leaves, number of flowers, fruit weight, diversity of arthropods and intensity of disease in plants. The effect of using black silver plastic mulch (BSPM) is more influential on plant growth and yield than the treatment of black mulch and straw mulch. This is BSPM can suppress weed growth, maintain soil water balance, increase soil surface temperature, increase microorganism activity, keep soil loose, and stimulate root growth. The observations it can be seen that the use of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) has more effect on plant growth and yield than without using LOF. This is because the use of LOF can stimulate the growth of production branches, and increase the formation of flowers and ovules, and reduce the fall of leaves, flowers and ovules. The use of BSPM and LOF will optimize the growth and yield of pumpkin plants. When use of BSPM and LOF, the soil will remain loose, the activity of soil microorganisms will increase, and the nutrients in the soil will also be maintained.

Study of soil moisture distribution under different mulching methods

Mulching techniques are used for the conservation of moisture beneath the root zone and to reduce the evaporation rate. Soil moisture distribution under the mulching techniques is also important for good crop growth and root development. Soil water movement is dependent on the physical properties of water as well as equally depends on the conservation techniques. The present study was carried out in the School of Agriculture, Lovely professional university to study the soil moisture distribution under different mulching treatments. The four mulching methods and one no mulch technique were used as a conservation technique and moisture content were measured at 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm depth vertically and the same distance laterally. From the experiment, the results showed that the black and silver plastic mulch conserved maximum average moisture content (22.33 and 22.67 %) up to 20 cm depth. The lateral and vertical water movement in plastic mulch was superior to the no mulch technique. Minimum soil moisture content (15.26 %) was recorded in the soil mulch technique at 5 cm depth and it decreases as the lateral distance increases from the emitter. Paddy straw mulching technique conserved better moisture at depth 0-10 cm compared to no mulch and soil mulch technique.

Effect Of Mulching Material On The Vegetative Growth And Yield Of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Var Us 7109) In Bharatpur, Chitwan

An experiment was conducted at NPI, Bharatpur-11 Bhojad, Chitwan to assess the effect of mulching materials on vegetative increase and yield of okra. The test turned into completed in Randomized Complete Block Design. There were 5 treatments comprising T1 (Control), T2 (Black plastic), T3 (Silver plastic), T4 (Rice straw), T5 (Rice husk) which was replicated four times. Mulching effect showed significant effect on all growth and yield parameters. The effects revealed that plant top, variety of leaves, plant spreading, total number of fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of fruit, average weight of fruit/plant, and total yield among the different treatments were statistically significant. Above all treatment silver plastic mulch treatment produced the maximum fruit yield(11.070 t/ha) and had better plant height (148.7 cm), spreading (67.2 cm), number of leaves (42.5), number of fruits per plant(39.2), average fruit length (12.54 cm), average fruit weight (17.93 gm), average diameter (17.73 mm). Thus, silver plastic mulch is better for okra production at Chitwan condition of Nepal.

Yield and Economic Analyses of Different Mulching Materials for Potato Production

To determine the suitability of different mulching materials for improving the yield of potato,a field experiment was conducted from January 2020 to May 2020 at Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments including: T1: silver plastic mulch, T2: black plastic mulch, T3: perforated black plastic mulch, T4: straw mulch, and T5: Control, with four replications. The experiment revealed that the highest tuber yield was obtained in silver plastic mulch (42.29tonne/ha) followed by perforated black plastic (41.04tonne/ha), black plastic (39.17tonne/ha), and straw (28.54tonne/ha) mulches, and the lowest yield was obtained in the Control treatment (21.46tonne/ha). Soil temperature was found to be influenced by the use of mulching materials with the highest soil temperature recorded under black plastic mulch, whereas the lowest soil temperature was detected under the Control treatment. The economic analysis of using different mulching materials showed the highest benefit/cost ratio by silver plastic mulch (3.63); followed by perforated black plastic mulch (3.53) and the lowest benefit/cost ratio was calculated for the Control (2.60). The present study, therefore, depicted silver plastic mulch followed by perforated black plastic mulch as the most effective mulching material for improving production of potato.

Response of sweet potato yield components to stakes angle and mulch type: Sweet potato cultivation in the Papua highlands

This study aims to improve the ability of sweet potato plants to obtain photosynthetic active radiation through a combination of stake angle with mulch as a reflector. The experiments were arranged in a separate plot design with three replications. The main plot consisted of Cangkuang variety with 90° stakes and Cangkuang varieties with 60° stakes. The subplots consisted of no mulch, straw mulch, white sand mulch, clear plastic mulch, and black silver plastic mulch. The results showed that the use of mulch as a reflector on both stake angle was able to increase photosynthesis active radiation by 27.84% to 34.63% compared to without mulch at 16.82%, and the optimum leaf area index at the age of 100 DAP was 3.74 to 4.45 at stake angle of 90° and 3.23 to 4.10 at stake angle of 60°. The number of tubers per plant increased and reached the highest of 3.17 and 4.50 in straw mulch, the number of marketable tubers from 51.90% to 59.23% compared to without mulch of 41.97% for stakes angle of 90° and 44.67% to 65.83% compared without mulch of 32.47% for stakes angle of 60°.