Soil Moisture Conservation Research Articles

Influence of Spacing and Mulching on Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Sweet Charlie in Assam

Plant spacing and mulching material have effects on crop growth and yield as they play a vital role in conserving soil moisture, enhancing nutrient and moisture uptake, regulating soil temperature and reducing weed growth. Evident research gap exists on effects of spacing and mulching on growth and development of strawberry. Strawberry is a surface feeder crop, and hence, mulching plays a very important role in providing optimum conditions for root development. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field in Jorhat district of Assam, during 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the effect of plant spacing and mulching on root volume of strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications based on 2 factors viz. plant spacing and mulch material. The trial consisted of a total of twenty treatments keeping five different plant spacing levels viz., 20 cm × 30 cm (S1), 30 cm × 30 cm (S2), 30 cm × 40 cm (S3), 40 cm × 40 cm (S4), 40 cm × 60 cm (S5) and four different mulching materials viz., paddy straw (M1), red mulch (M2), silver black mulch (M3) and no mulch (M4). Results revealed that 40 cm × 60 cm spacing under silver black mulch recorded maximum root volume which may have a positive impact on crop yield.

ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF RHIZOBIAL STRAINS ISOLATED FROM SOYBEAN NODULES IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Limited nitrogen in the soil is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in most developing countries including South Africa. Soybean productivity in South Africa is limited by drought, poor soil fertility, and the ineffectiveness or unavailability of native strains. Most soil in South Africa contains low or ineffective rhizobium strains for biological nitrogen fixation in legume crops. The study aimed to isolate and characterize compatible rhizobial strains for soybeans in response to soil moisture conservation technologies and Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used a phylogenetic analysis of 21 bacteria' 16S rRNA gene sequences isolated from soybean root nodules in the Limpopo province. Experiments were conducted at Syferkuil farm and Lebopo sites in Limpopo province. DNA was extracted to perform PCR amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA using primer fD1 and rD1. Sequencing was done at Inqaba Biotec, Pretoria, and edited using Bioedit and Mega X programs. A total of 21 bacterial isolates were isolated from soybean root nodules. The isolated strains from Syferkuil and Lebopo sites had both medium-growing and fast-growing strains; however, they were dominated by fast-growing strains. Phylogenetic results showed four categories of bacterial genera: Agrobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, and Rhizobium. Application of local rhizobium strains and efficient strains could enhance productivity and contribute to the low input cost of soybean production in Limpopo province

Preserving soil properties and enhancing cauliflower yield with black plastic mulch in Bangladesh

<p>Poor soil health and inefficient farming practices significantly challenge sustainable agriculture and crop productivity in Bangladesh. This study evaluated the impact of various mulching techniques on soil properties, cauliflower yield, and carbon sequestration in Bangladesh to identify the optimal mulching strategy for sustainable cauliflower production and carbon sequestration. A field experiment in the Bogura district evaluated the effects of various mulching materials—newspaper, rice husk, rice straw, black plastic, craft paper, and no mulch—on soil physicochemical properties and cauliflower production. Data measurement and monitoring assessed soil properties, mulch degradation rates, and cauliflower quality, with organic carbon determined using Walkley and Black's method. Results showed significant impacts of mulching on soil parameters and cauliflower yield. Black plastic mulch increased soil temperature by approximately 6°C and conserved soil moisture by 13.2% compared to the no-mulch (control). Organic mulches, especially rice husk, were superior in conserving soil carbon (21.3 g Kg<sup>-1</sup>) and increasing available nitrogen (22.4 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), phosphorus (36.5 mg Kg<sup>-1</sup>), and soil pH (7.4). Although all treatments increased electrical conductivity (EC), the control showed the highest EC value (405.5 µS cm <sup>-1</sup>). Among organic mulches, craft paper had the highest degradation rate followed by newspaper and rice straw mulches. Cauliflower yield varied with mulch type, with black plastic producing the highest yield (1162.0 g), followed by rice straw (1050.0 g), rice husk (983.0 g), craft paper (821.0 g), and newspaper (752.0 g). These findings suggested black plastic mulch for maximizing cauliflower production in Bangladesh and similar conditions.</p>

Optimization of yield and rooting behaviour of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in desert region through land configuration, Mycorrhiza and zinc fertilization

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis holds promise for enhancing soil phosphorus (P) efficiencycy and valuable in improving zinc uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), especially in Zn-deficient soils. The proper land configuration important for enhancing the rainfed crop performance by changing the rooting and soil moisture conservation patterns. Thus, a study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, we explored the combined effects of land configuration, zinc ffertilization and Mycorrhiza on yield attributes and roots characteristics of pearl millet. We evaluated 24 treatment combinations, including flat bed (S1), ridge & furrow (S2) and pit (S3) planting techniques, Mycorrhiza control (M0) and 8 kg/ha as basal (M1), and zinc fertilization control (Z0), 0.5% ZnSO4 in two foliar sprays (Z1), ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha basal + 0.5% foliar spray (Z2), and ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha basal (Z3) in a split-split plot design. Our findings revealed that, the pit planting technique, combined with Mycorrhiza and zinc sulphate fertilization, significantly increased plant stand (141.2 thousand/ha), root characteristics (root volume, 42.93 cm3), and yield attributes (effective tillers: 4.75, grain yield: 30.75 q/ha, and stover yield: 71.43 q/ha) by 12.72%, 29.11%, 137.53%, 95.74% and 39.95% compared to flat bed sowing, respectively. These results underscore the immense potential of pit planting techniques for enhancing pearl millet productivity and quality by promoting robust root system development.

Optimization of yield and rooting behaviour of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in desert region through land configuration, Mycorrhiza and zinc fertilization

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis holds promise for enhancing soil phosphorus (P) efficiencycy and valuable in improving zinc uptake in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), especially in Zn-deficient soils. The proper land configuration important for enhancing the rainfed crop performance by changing the rooting and soil moisture conservation patterns. Thus, a study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner, we explored the combined effects of land configuration, zinc ffertilization and Mycorrhiza on yield attributes and roots characteristics of pearl millet. We evaluated 24 treatment combinations, including flat bed (S1), ridge & furrow (S2) and pit (S3) planting techniques, Mycorrhiza control (M0) and 8 kg/ha as basal (M1), and zinc fertilization control (Z0), 0.5% ZnSO4 in two foliar sprays (Z1), ZnSO4 @10 kg/ha basal + 0.5% foliar spray (Z2), and ZnSO4 @ 20 kg/ha basal (Z3) in a split-split plot design. Our findings revealed that, the pit planting technique, combined with Mycorrhiza and zinc sulphate fertilization, significantly increased plant stand (141.2 thousand/ha), root characteristics (root volume, 42.93 cm3), and yield attributes (effective tillers: 4.75, grain yield: 30.75 q/ha, and stover yield: 71.43 q/ha) by 12.72%, 29.11%, 137.53%, 95.74% and 39.95% compared to flat bed sowing, respectively. These results underscore the immense potential of pit planting techniques for enhancing pearl millet productivity and quality by promoting robust root system development.

Effect of mulch on soil moisture conservation (In the example of trees planted in two different soils in a greenhouse)

Using organic and inorganic mulches, soil moisture was compared in two different types of soil. In the study, soil moisture was measured using a TDR 150 model Soil Moisture Meter. Two types of soil, sandy loam and loam, were used in four versions with 5 repetitions each. The soil moisture measuring sensor was placed at a depth of 12 cm at intervals of 7-10 days (during plant growth). Compared to the control scenario, the loam soil with Populus laurifolia had an average moisture content of 12.83% of the total cover, while the scenario planted with sandy soil had an average moisture content of 14.12%. However, Ulmus pumila had 19.11% moisture in loam soil and 22.52% in sandy loam soil. The results of this study showed that the moisture content of sandy loam soil was higher than that of loam soil. Because there are no capillary pores in the sand, the transfer of soil moisture from the lower layers to the surface for evaporation was low. In sandy loam soils, leaf mulch and straw mulch led to 20-30% more control and 5-10% more tree diameter compared to other mulch types. On the other hand, in light soil loam, tree height was 15-20% higher and diameter was 3-8% greater than the control. The results of this study proved that covering the soil has many advantages, such as reducing evaporation from the soil surface, increasing soil moisture, reducing soil compaction, and promoting plant growth. The covering materials used in this experimental study of soil moisture protection offer numerous advantages as they are widely available, environmentally friendly, and economical materials for our country. By covering the topsoil of the seedlings with the seeds to retain moisture, the soil properties would improve, leading to a reduction in the watering rate of the trees by half and water savings Хучаасны нөлөө хөрсний чийг хамгаалах боломж (Хүлэмжид хоёр ялгаатай хөрсөнд тариалсан модны жишээн дээр) Органик ба органик биш хучаасыг ашиглан хөрсний чийгийг хоёр өөр хэв шинжийн хөрсөнд харьцуулан судалж, модны өсөлт, хөрсний чийг хэрхэн өөрчлөлт, үр дүнг цаашдын судалгааны ажилд ашиглах зорилготойгоор энэхүү судалгааг хийлээ. Судалгаанд TDR 150 загварын SOIL MOISTURE METER хэмжигч багажийг ашиглан хөрсний чийгийг хэмжсэн. Элсэнцэр, хөнгөн шавранцар 2 төрлийн хөрс, органик ба органик биш хучаасыг дөрвөн хувилбар 5 давталттай, хоёр төрлийн модыг тариалж ижил хэмжээтэй усалгааг тогтмол цаг хугацаанд хийж туршилтыг явуулсан. Хөрсний чийг хэмжих мэдрэгч 12 см гүнд 7-10 хоногийн давтамжтайгаар (ургамал ургалтын хугацаанд) хэмжилт хийсэн. Хөрсний чийгийг хяналтын хувилбартай харьцуулахад улиас тарьсан хөнгөн шавранцар хөрс бүх хучаасны дунджаар 12.83% чийгтэй, элсэнцэр хөрсөнд тарьсан хувилбар 14.12 %-ийн чийгтэй байна. Харин хайлаасны хувьд хөнгөн шавранцар хөрсөнд 19.11%, элсэнцэр хөрсөнд 22.52%-ийн чийгтэй байна. Элсэнцэр хөрсний чийг хөнгөн шавранцар хөрснөөс илүү байгаа нь энэ судалгааны дүнгээс харагдаж байна. Учир нь элс капляр сүв байхгүй учир хөрсний доод үе давхаргаас хөрсний чийг шилжилт гадаргын ууршил бага байдагтай холбоотой. Элсэнцэр хөрсөнд хучаасны төрлүүдээс навчин хучаастай болон сүрлэн хучаастай модны өндөр хяналттай харьцуулахад 20-30 %, модны диаметрийн хувьд 5-10 % илүү байна. Харин хөнгөн шавранцар хөрсөнд хяналттай харьцуулахад модны өндөр 15-20 %, диаметр 3-8 % илүү байна. Дэлхийн дулаарал, хуурайшил нэмэгдэж буй өнөөгийн нөхцөлд ус ашиглалтын асуудал дэлхийн олон улс оронд үүний дотор гандуу хуурай уур амьсгалтай Монгол оронд тулгамдсан асуудлын нэг болж байна Хөрсийг хучих нь хөрсний гадаргын ууршилтыг бууруулах, хөрсний чийгийг нэмэгдүүлэх, хөрсний нягтралыг бууруулах, ургамлын өсөлтийг дэмжих зэрэг олон давуу талтай байгаа нь энэхүү судалгааны дүнгээр нотлогдож байна. Хөрсний чийг хамгаалах энэхүү туршилт судалгаанд ашиглагдсан хучаасны материалууд нь манай орны хувьд олдоц арвин, байгальд ээлтэй, эдийн засгийн хувьд хэмнэлттэй материал гэдгээрээ давуу тал ихтэй юм. Бортоготой модны өнгөн хөрсийг хучиж чийгийг барьснаар хөрсний шинж чанар сайжирч модны усалгааны нормыг 2 дахин багасгаж ус хэмнэх ач холбогдолтой юм. Түлхүүр үгс: Хөрсний чийг хамгаалах, Хөрсний чийг, Хучаас, Навчин хучаас, Сүрлэн хучаас, Чулуун хучаас, Элсэн хучаас

Evaluation of Land Surface Management on Moisture Conservation, Yield and Yield Components of Maize (<i>Zea Mays </i>L.) in East Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Maize is an important food crop in Ethiopia and it is one of the main smallholder food crops in the rift valley of Oromia, although shortage of rainfall and erratic occurrence was caused soil moisture content stressed yields reduced. Suitable soil and water conservation measures that can be easily integrated into the existing farming operations while enhancing in-situ moisture conservation. The study was conducted on land surface management to increase soil moisture content, amend soil nutrients and enhance yield and yield components of maize. The experiment was conducted during the 2021 and 2022 main cropping seasons at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center on-station using RCBD that had five tested treatments. Maize variety Melkasa-II was used as a testing crop for its familiar to local communities. The results indicated that soil moisture content was enhanced by 5.8% to 26.4% in maturity and vegetative stages up to 60 cm depths. Soil physico-chemical properties were improved and the highest grain yield was obtained from 5 tha<sup>-1</sup> (SM+FYM) plus NPS fertilizer and 5 tha<sup>-1</sup> of straw mulch plus inorganic fertilizers treatments that increased by three to four fold of the organic fertilizer applied and control treatments orderly. This result implies that retaining crop straw mulch and application of farmyard manure in the field within profitable cost can be used as soil moisture conservation tool for sustainable improvement of maize production in the study area.

Potential of conservation agriculture practice in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia: a review

Land degradation is a major problem in Ethiopia, as it contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and slowing carbon sequestration rates. The objective of this review was to assess the role of conservation agriculture (CA) in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia. The critical review method processes for identifying and synthesizing peer-reviewed research and review articles, reports, proceedings, and book chapters were followed, with materials obtained from relevant search engines. The findings of the various reports revealed that minimum tillage assists in soil moisture conservation when compared to conventional tillage. Conservation tillage maintains crop residue, reduces soil temperature significantly, and increases nutrient buildup in the surface soil layer, all of which lead to higher crop growth and production thus help as adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, agriculture and other land uses significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions; nevertheless, conservation agricultural methods improve soil organic carbon (SOC), soil aggregation, and carbon in aggregate, as well as soil health that contribute to climate changing mitigation. Several studies found that soil health indicators such as soil aggregation, soil organic carbon storage, soil enzymes, and microbial biomass improved under conservation tillage practices, potentially improving the carbon-nitrogen cycle, soil stability, and overall crop productivity. In terms of climate adaptation and mitigation, CA is one of the non-substitutable choices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Crop diversity, increased nitrogen consumption efficiency, crop rotation, improved soil carbon sequestration methods; crop residue retention, minimum soil disturbance, manure incorporation, and integrated farming systems are all important factors in minimizing GHG emissions. Moreover, factors impeding CA adoption include a lack of appropriate equipment and machinery, weed control methods, the use of crop residue for fuel wood and animal feed, a lack of awareness about the benefits of CA on soil health and sustainability, and a lack of government technical and financial support for smallholder farmers. Adoption and scaling up of CA practices are critical for ensuring a sustainable development goal and resilient future. Thus, relevant stakeholders should consider the aforementioned considerations while promoting the technology on a large scale through integration with enhanced technology.

Dynamics of Soil Properties under Jhum Cultivation: A Review

A staple of many indigenous cultures, shifting agriculture is coming under more and more scrutiny for its role in soil degradation and deforestation, especially in light of climate change. This study investigates the effects of jhum agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh, with a particular emphasis on the detrimental effects on soil qualities and its contribution to deforestation. Along with considerable nutrient loss from frequent forest clearing and burning, jhum farming causes severe soil degradation, including soil erosion and changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil. In the diverse climates of Arunachal Pradesh, characterized by heavy rainfall, soil fertility and moisture are especially vulnerable. The shortening of fallow periods further destabilizes soil moisture and fertility, despite the potential benefits of carbon dynamics and sequestration during extended fallows. This research underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices, such as improved soil moisture conservation and extended fallow periods, to align traditional agricultural practices with the goals of climate resilience, soil health, and long-term sustainability.

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

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

THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRATED SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT AND CROPPING SYSTEMS ON SOIL WATER CONTENT ON SORGHUM AND COWPEA PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS OF KENYA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining <em>per capita</em> crop production on smallholder farmers in Central Kenya highlands. The study was carried out for 3 consecutive seasons in Embu County classified as semi-arid lands in Kenya. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the effect of Soil Water Harvesting (SWH), cropping systems and Integrated Soil Fertility Management technologies on sorghum and cowpea production in Mbeere South Sub-County, Kenya. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The treatments were arranged in a factorial structure with 3 levels of SWH, 2 cropping systems and 6 soil fertility management options laid out in a partially balanced incomplete block design. The SWC was measured after 2 weeks after planting interval stages in the whole season. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 95% Confidence Interval. <strong>Results:</strong> There was a two way interactions effect between SWH*Fertility management options on sorghum grain yields was significant (<em>p</em>=0.0027, <em>p</em>=0.0008 and<em> p</em>=0.0057) during long rains (LR) of 2011 and 2012, and short rains (SR) of 2011, respectively. Additionally, SWH methods significantly affected sorghum grain yields in a similar trend (<em>p</em>=0.002, <em>p</em>=0.0005 and<em> p</em>=0.0003) in their respective seasons. In SR 2011 and LR 2012, soil fertility options also produced significant effects (<em>p</em>=0.0047 and <em>p</em>=0.0024) on cowpea grain yields, respectively. The results further indicated that there were significant higher SWC measurements at initial stages of 2 WAP, 4 WAP and 6 WAP intervals as compared to the late stages of the season. However, sole cropping systems had significantly more SWC measurement than those in intercropping systems in both seasons. <strong>Implications:</strong> Manure added treatments positively affected SWC conservation and this could be as a result of increased soil organic carbon which improved soil fertility. The available SWC played a great role in drought effect mitigation by availing moisture to sorghum and cowpea productivity especially when prolonged dry spells coincide with crop’s sensitive phenological growing stages. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Water harvesting methods cropping systems and soil fertility management options had positive influence on soil moisture conservation and crop yields production in Central Kenya Highland. </p>

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

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

Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review

Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.

Transforming watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind into durable superabsorbent hydrogels for enhanced soil water retention properties and adsorbs dye in water

Innovative superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized from watermelon rind (WR), an abundant agricultural waste. The process involved free radical polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AAm) with WR particles activated by ammonium persulfate (APS), resulting in (AA-co-AAm)/WR hydrogels with high equilibrium swelling capacities of 749 ± 32 g/g. Notably, after eight cycles, the WR hydrogel maintained 94.88 % of its initial swelling capacity, significantly outperforming the (AA-co-AAm) hydrogel without WR (13.80 % retention). This durability, combined with excellent water retention across various soil textures and high adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB), underscores the WR hydrogel as a superior soil moisture conservation agent. This study marks a significant advance in recycling organic waste and enhancing water management in agricultural soils, demonstrating the potential for sustainable hydrogel development.

Adoption of Black Plastic Mulch as a Coping Strategy to Water Conservation Among Vegetable Farmers in Kisoro Municipality, Kisoro District

The study was about the adoption of black plastic mulches as a copying strategy to water conservation among smallholder vegetable farmers in Kisoro Municipality, Kisoro district. Farmers in Kisoro District have increasingly adopted black plastic mulch to address these agricultural challenges. The use of black plastic mulch in this region helps in conserving soil moisture, controlling weeds, and enhancing crop yields. It was guided by three specific objectives which were to; establish the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers, establish the knowledge level on the benefits of black plastic mulch among smallholder vegetable farmers and examine the factors influencing farmer’s decision to adopt black plastic mulch as a coping strategy to water conservation. The study employed a cross-sectional study design that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study used a sample size of 300. The study used questionnaires and interview guide to collect data. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). The results revealed that land ownership was a positive and significant factor at (sig. 0.000**), source of income at (sig.0.001*), credit accessibility at (sig.0.002**) and knowledge on use of black plastic mulches at (sig. 0.000**) The study concluded that vegetable farmers were characterized in terms of gender, age, farm size, marital status and level of education. The study also concluded that there was adequate knowledge level on the benefits of black plastic mulch among smallholder vegetable farmers. Such as; leads to higher yields and improved quality of vegetables, increase the growth rate of vegetables, reduce the risk of root damage, weed suppression, moisture conservation and contribute to soil health and protect the soil from wind and water erosion. The study finally concluded that there were significant and non-significant factors influencing farmer’s decision to adopt black plastic mulch as a coping strategy to water conservation among smallholder vegetable farmers which included; land ownership, limited extension training, source of income, knowledge on use of black plastic mulches and credit accessibility and non-significant ones were; un-availability of labour, infrastructure development, level of education, price of black plastic mulch and farm size.

Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Liquid Biodegradable Mulch Films and Its Effects on Peanut Cultivation.

With the development of material science and increasing awareness of ecological environmental protection, liquid biodegradable mulch films (LBDMs) have garnered significant public interest. In this research, new LBDMs were developed using hydrophobically modified polymer materials, surfactants, and photosensitive catalysts. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed good material compatibility. LBDMs exhibited excellent wettability and degradability, effectively covering soil surfaces and enhancing soil moisture conservation, with a degradation rate of 76.09% after 80 days of burial. The field performance experiment was conducted over two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, to assess differences in soil temperature and moisture, peanut agronomic traits, pod traits, and yield under four treatments: non-mulching (CK), LBDMs, clear polyethylene mulch films (CPEMs), and black polyethylene mulch films (BPEMs). LBDMs increased soil temperature by 0.56 °C and soil moisture by 19.25%, accelerated the seedling stage by 4-to-6 days, and improved the average emergence rate by 15.91%. Furthermore, LBDMs significantly promoted peanut growth, and it increased yield by 14.34% compared to CK. LBDMs performed comparably to the two types of PE films in maintaining soil conditions and different crop phenotype traits, including plant height, branch number, yield, and quality, and they even outperformed PE films in productivity per plant and 100-kernel weight. These findings suggest that LBDMs are a promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional PE films.

Weed smothering efficiency of mulching types on groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) productivity in the dry savanna region of Nigeria

In order to increase groundnut productivity, a field experiment was carried out in the dry season of 2020 to assess the effectiveness of various mulching materials at suppressing weeds. The experimental treatments comprised of five mulching types; Control (no mulch), transparent polythene mulch, black polythene mulch, rice straw mulch and saw dust mulch) and three groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 23, SAMNUT 24 and SAMNUT 26). These were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings revealed that mulching had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on crop qualities including canopy cover, chlorophyll content, pod yield, 100 kernel weight, and groundnut kernel yield as well as weed attributes like weed cover scores, weed density, weed dry weight, and weed control efficiency in both BUK and Wasai, respectively. The weed compositions were further grouped into various families comprising Poaceae (11), Euphorbiaceae (3), Amaranthaceae (4), Asteraceae (3), Cyperaceae (2), Cucurbitaceae, and Aizoaceae, each having one species with a different level of occurrence across the two locations. On the other hand, SAMNUT 26 significantly produced higher pod (2798 & 2119) and kernel yields (1198 & 1191), although SAMNUT 23 produced a heavier 100 kernel weight (55.51 & 54.52) at BUK and Wasai, respectively. In comparison to the other mulching types, applying black polythene mulch or transparent mulch lowered weed density and dry weight by limiting the amount of sunlight that the weeds got, preventing them from growing. Therefore, for dry season production of groundnut in the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria, mulching with black or transparent polythene film using the SAMNUT 26 variety was found to be effective in conserving soil moisture for optimum crop growth and development, while on the other hand, weed populations were suppressed.

Evaluation of mulch types on weed management, soil moisture conservation and crop performance in Gladiolus hybridus cv. Punjab Glance

This study evaluated the effects of various mulch types on weed management, soil moisture conservation, and crop performance in Gladiolus hybridus cv. Punjab Glance at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The experiment tested different coloured polythene mulches—black (25µ), silver on black (25µ), transparent (25µ), and white (50µ)—as well as paddy straw mulch at the rate of 10, 15, and 20 tonnes/ha, and pendimethalin (0.5 kg/ha). Results demonstrated that transparent and white polythene mulches promoted earlier sprouting, bud initiation, and flowering. Black polythene mulch yielded the tallest plants (90.30 cm) and longest spikes (75.31 cm), while white polythene (50µ) mulch produced the most florets per spike (12.39) and extended the flowering duration (15.60 days). Hand-weeding achieved the highest weed control efficiency (100%), closely followed by black polythene mulch (99.87%). Paddy straw mulch (1 t/ha) was the most effective for soil moisture conservation, with polythene mulches also performing well. Transparent (25µ) and white (50µ) polythene mulches recorded the highest average soil temperatures during the study.

Unlocking the Potential of Zero-tillage Farming: Challenges, Opportunities, and Key Influences on Adoption

Zero tillage (ZT) is a crucial agricultural strategy that prioritizes little soil disturbance. This research investigates the future possibilities of ZT, concentrating on three critical dimensions: technology developments, climate change considerations, and possible rise in adoption rates. Precision agriculture, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology have been shown to play a critical role in improving ZT efficiency and sustainability. These advancements enable more intelligent and focused methods, lowering waste and harmonizing farming operations with overall sustainability goals. Climate change is also a crucial factor in influencing ZT's future. ZT's intrinsic qualities of soil moisture conservation, decreased erosion, and carbon sequestration make it an effective technique for climate mitigation and adaptation. According to the report, the worldwide need to address climate change may serve as a stimulus for ZT expansion, linking it with crucial agricultural initiatives in the future. The possible rise in ZT adoption rates is investigated in light of these technological and environmental aspects. The findings indicate that technology's role in eliminating obstacles and increasing efficiency, together with government and organizational backing, might encourage widespread ZT adoption, particularly in developing nations. Collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry, are emphasized as critical to optimizing ZT for different situations and requirements. Zero Tillage's future possibilities are broad and varied, characterized by technical innovation, compatibility with climate goals, and a clear route to widespread implementation. The combination of these variables offers a favorable scenario for ZT, establishing it as a key technique in developing sustainable agriculture in the future. This study adds to our understanding of ZT's future trajectory and provides insights that can help direct its ongoing evolution and effect in the agriculture sector.

Intercropping Legumes Covers with Maize on Soil Moisture Improvement in Selected Dry Land Areas of Basketo Special Woreda’s, Ethiopia

Intercropping provides sufficient scope to include two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land, targeting higher land productivity. There is limited experimental evidence on the benefits of intercropping systems, which remains largely unstudied. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of intercropping on soil moisture conservation in a moisture-stressed area. For this study, a randomized complete block design was used to establish experimental plots with three replications. Five treatments were evaluated, including maize only, lablab only, cowpea only, lablab with maize, and cowpea with maize. Disturbed soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–30 cm and composited for soil moisture and physicochemical property analysis. The yield and biomass of maize and legume shrubs were collected from each plot, and the variations were analyzed using the general linear model. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was computed to evaluate land productivity. The result showed that higher soil moisture content was recorded on maize-cowpea intercrop (34.33%), followed by maize-lablab intercrop (31.20%) relative to sole maize (26.83%) at the development stage in the first-year trial. This implies the benefit of legume shrubs on soil moisture conservation, both under mono-cropped and intercropped conditions. In this trial, the highest LER values were obtained for maize intercropped with Lablab 1.44 at Angila 4 kebele, while at Angila 3 kebele, the highest LER values were obtained for maize intercropped with cowpea 1.29. Therefore, conducting similar studies for more than two years on permanent field plots is vital to achieving considerable changes in soil moisture and soil physicochemical properties, as well as helping farmers make better use of cereal-legume intercropping systems to increase yields in moisture-stress areas. Keywords: Intercropping; Legume; Land equivalent ratio; Soil moisture; Yield