Synthetic Mulches Research Articles

Effects of Mulching and Flaming on Weed Control and Almond Growth in a Newly Established Almond Orchard

This study was conducted in a newly established (2-year-old) almond orchard to investigate the effects of five different mulching materials (woven and nonwoven fabric, black and white polyethylene, almond shell) and flame treatments applied at two different frequencies (FL20 and FL30) on weed control and almond growth compared with those of conventional herbicide (glyphosate) application and weedy control. Thus, this study included nine different treatments. The impacts of these treatments on weed density and coverage were periodically monitored. Additionally, the biomass of the weeds was measured at the end of the season to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Because the almond orchard was not yet in the economic fruit-bearing stage, the effects of the treatments were examined in terms of parameters that characterize almond growth, such as plant height, trunk diameter, shoot length, and shoot thickness. The chlorophyll content and water potential values of the trees were also determined. The results of this two-season study indicated that synthetic mulches provided the best outcomes in terms of weed control and almond growth. No weed emergence was observed throughout the season in any of the synthetic mulch treatments. Although almond shells used as organic mulch were highly effective for blocking sunlight, they failed to prevent the growth of some vigorously growing perennials such as Cynodon dactylon and Sorghum halepense that emerged from gaps. Flame treatments demonstrated rapid and effective results; however, they were less successful against the aforementioned monocot perennial weeds and required frequent repetition because of the lack of residual effects. Glyphosate, an herbicide that is commonly used in conventional orcharding, was applied five times throughout the experiment and proved effective weed management compared with that of the weedy control. However, considering the increasing herbicide resistance, environmental and health issues, and growing interest in organic almond cultivation, synthetic mulch applications have emerged as good options. Despite the initially higher establishment costs, synthetic mulches effectively controlled weeds and reduced water stress, thereby promoting almond tree growth.

Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture

Dryland agriculture requires the efficient utilization of water resources and the implementation of water-conserving technologies. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid land areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize soil evaporation rates. Organic mulching minimizes soil deterioration, enhances organic matter, and boosts the soil’s ability to retain water. Mulching can help keep moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching with composted yard waste led to higher soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and organic matter when compared to uncovered soil. Under plastic mulch, soluble nutrients such as nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), and fulvic acid are released as organic matter decomposes, enhancing the soil’s nutrient availability. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, such as reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. This review article aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ground mulching in water conservation. This is particularly important in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and the inefficient use of limited water resources during the cropping season. Ground mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and hence decreasing water loss. This review research thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production, as well as their use in the preservation of soil and water resources.

Mulching to improve sweet potato production

Sweet potato ((Ipomoea batatas L.) is a high-yielding nutritious specialty crop. There is a growing need for proactive information on sustainable production of sweet potatoes under short growing seasons. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of crop residue and synthetic mulches on the growth, yield, and quality parameters of three varieties of sweet potatoes. Three types of mulch, wheat straw (straw), white polyethylene film (white mulch), and black plastic film (black mulch), and a control (no mulch) were evaluated during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons in the south-eastern region of Kazakhstan. The vine length, meristem number, tuber per plant, and tuber weight were significantly higher under white mulch and black mulch than under straw, and the results were significantly different from the control. The total yields of sweet potato tubers under white mulch and black mulch also varied significantly among the varieties, ranging from 20.5 t/ha for Rizi 0603 to 54.5 t/ha for Xushu 25. The results of the present study will be used to develop other technological sequences for the cultivation of sweet potatoes in the south-eastern region of Kazakhstan. More research is needed to ascertain the stability of the effects of varieties, mulch treatment, and their interactions on yields and to determine other treatments and varieties with better potential to improve sweet potato yields for cultivation in Kazakhstan.

Motivating organic farmers to adopt practices that support the pest-suppressive microbiome relies on understanding their beliefs

Abstract Certified organic farming is a suite of regulated practices that can support social, economic, and ecological sustainability in agriculture. Despite the standardization and regulation of certifying bodies, practices adopted by organic farmers vary with potential heterogeneous effects on environmental outcomes. While it is accepted that beliefs can enable or constrain the adoption of farming practices, it remains unclear if variation in organic farmer beliefs mediates observed heterogeneity in practices and the ecology of farms. Communities of soil microorganisms that induce plant resistance and regulate insect herbivores offer a lens to explore the relationship between beliefs and practice adoption. Variation in insect herbivores across organic farms is common but none have studied the role of farmer beliefs in regulating pests through the soil microbiome. Herein, we hypothesized that variation in adoption of microbiome-supportive practices by organic farmers is driven by heterogeneity in their microbiome beliefs. We also investigate the importance of demographic variables and farm characteristics, compared to farmer beliefs, for adoption of practices that support the microbiome. To test our hypothesis, we surveyed the microbiome beliefs, farming practices, and motivations of 85 organic farmers in New York State, USA. We used affinity propagation to cluster farmers by their beliefs, and statistical models to evaluate variation in farming practice adoption and farmer motivations. Our survey received a 30.5% response rate, most organic farmers (≈96%) believed the soil microbiome was important for supporting plant defenses and reducing pests, and <16% believed their farming practices were unimportant for promoting beneficial microbiomes. Seven clusters of farmers were identified that varied in their microbiome beliefs. Among the clusters ≈42% of farmers believed on-farm management and external factors (e.g., climate change) were important for promoting the microbiome. These farmers used fewer pesticides and synthetic mulches, more pre-planting practices (e.g., solarization), and were more motivated to adopt new practices to support the microbiome than their peers. The most important factors motivating adoption were reductions in pests, increased yields, and biodiversity benefits. Beliefs, demographics, and farm characteristics (e.g., time in organic management) were correlated with similar suites of farming practices, but only beliefs predicted farmer motivations. Our study suggests beliefs are key to understanding farmer motivations and promoting organic farming system sustainability via the pest-suppressive microbiome. More broadly, we suggest the need for socio-ecological approaches that account for farmer beliefs when studying the adoption of conservation practices in agroecosystems.

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<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 <35°C to >40°C. However, high precipitation during the fruiting and harvesting seasons significantly impacted grain yields. Organic fertilizers produced noticeable variances (p<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.

Watermoss Mulching Stimulates the Productivity and Physiochemical Properties of Strawberry in the Tropical Ecosystem of Southern Bangladesh

Strawberry is one of the most lucrative antioxidants and phytochemicals enriched temperate fruits. Nevertheless, good-quality fruit production requires special soil management practices like mulching and other strategies in tropical and sub-tropical regimes with short and dry winters. In the present research, strawberry var. BARI Strawberry-3 was cultivated using Asian watermoss (AW), water hyacinth (WH), paddy straw (PS), black polythene (BP), and silver polythene (SP) mulching along with control at the tropical weather-inclined southern part of Bangladesh from October 2018 to April 2019. The aim was to evaluate the comparative influences of those organic and synthetic mulches on root and shoot growth phenology along with subsequent reproductive behaviors, fruit yield, and fruit biochemical properties of strawberries under such an ecosystem. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Mulching exhibited statistical superiority over control for strawberry growth, yield, and fruit quality indicators, where organic mulches performed better than others. Among the mulches, AW mulching produced the healthiest plant, having maximum plant height (20.40 cm), leaf number (23.33 per plant), canopy diameter (34.30 cm), single leaf area (100.06 cm2), and root length (19.05 cm) resulting in the highest root and shoot biomass. Though the plants received AW mulch required maximum duration from transplanting to flowering (47.88 days) and flowering to harvest (29.60 days), those plants produced the highest number of flowers (21.20 per plant) as well as fruits (19.63 per plant), and ultimately the utmost fruit yield (370.02 g/plant and 15.42 kg/ha) being significantly dissonant from all other treatments. Thus, a 57.57% yield increase over control was recorded from AW mulching. Furthermore, statistically, the maximum total soluble solids (TSS) (9.93%), TSS/acidity ratio (17.37), and vitamin C (58.30 mg/100 g), but the minimum titratable acidity (0.57%) content of strawberry was noticed in AW treatment. WH and BP mulches had statistical consistency with the best treatment for a few attributes. Therefore, crop residues, aquatic plants, or their by-products can be used as mulch for quality strawberry production in dry winter, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

Optimizing crop production water footprints in the face of water scarcity: a combined experimental and simulation study of wheat in Zimbabwe

Abstract The optimization of water footprints in crop production is critical, given that agroecosystems currently account for more than 70% of global freshwater use. To achieve this, crop growth models provide insights into the impact of various crop and irrigation management strategies on both crop productivity and water use. This study evaluated the capability of the AquaCrop model in simulating wheat yields, crop water use, and water footprints in the Middle-Manyame Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe. The model was calibrated and validated using experimental data collected from field experiments. Simulation experiments were conducted to assess the impact of early and late planting, drip and sprinkler irrigation techniques, and no mulch, organic mulch, and synthetic mulch options on the water footprint (WF). The AquaCrop model accurately simulated soil water content, crop water use, crop biomass, and grain yield. Simulation runs showed that early planting reduced WFblue and WFgreen by 25 and 4%, respectively. The lowest consumptive WF was observed with drip irrigation and synthetic mulching. The greatest decline in WFblue and WFgreen (52 and 11%) was simulated under early planting, using drip irrigation and synthetic mulching. Overall, the study highlights the importance of efficient crop and irrigation management practices to reduce water footprints in agroecosystems.

Effect of organic and synthetic mulches on some morpho-physiological and yield parameters of ‘Zard’ olive cultivar subjected to three irrigation levels in field conditions

Olive is one of the most important crops in arid and semi-arid areas. Prolonged water stress in these regions may adversely affect olive plant quality and productivity of fruits. To address the mitigation of unfavorable consequences of drought stress, the use of water-retaining mulches can be a beneficial solution. To achieve this purpose, the responses of olive cultivar ‘Zard’ as affected by mulch amendment [olive pomace, animal manure, nylon film, superabsorbent and control (without mulch)] and irrigation level (100 %ET as a normal condition and both 75 %ET and 50 %ET to simulate moderate and severe drought stress, respectively) were assayed. As a result, drought stress significantly retarded growth parameters, but fruit dry matter accumulation indicated the opposite behavior. Chlorophyll a + b, calcium, potassium, relative water content, and fruit yield also represented a declining tendency in severity-dependent behavior and conversely, sodium, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and peroxidase), oxidative markers, pulp/pit ratio, osmolytes (proline and total carbohydrates), and phenolic content increased in olive trees exposed to drought stress. Animal manure and especially olive pomace as organic mulches notably exhibited pragmatic influences on morpho-physiological as well as yield traits and improved pomological characteristics, regardless of tree water status. It was concluded that mulches used as water retaining agents, especially olive pomace and animal manure, can be effectively used to promote drought tolerance, growth and yield of olive trees growing in water deficit conditions. In general, using natural mulches is a good way to overcome drought stress.

Weed suppression by mulches in Mentha x piperita L.

The suitability of mulch for weed control in cultivated Mentha x piperita L. has been insufficiently studied. The results of this study show that this crop is sensitive to weed infestation. The objective was to evaluate the effects of mulch materials on weed suppression and yield of M. piperita. Two organic mulches, sawdust of acacia and dry pine needles, and two synthetic mulches, silver-brown and black “agrotextile” film, were compared with hand-weeded and non-weeded controls. Weed density and biomass per species were reduced in all treatments. The best biomass reduction was achieved with silver-brown film (96.3–100%) followed by black “agrotextile” film (74.6–95.9%). The treatments also reduced total dry weed biomass; the synthetic ones reduced biomass in the range of 84.6–100%, and the organic ones 28.5–81.4%. Under synthetic mulches, M. piperita generally achieved higher yields than under organic mulches. The best yields were obtained in 2016 with black “agrotextile” film (4.2 t ha−1) and in 2017 with silver-brown film (1.5 t ha−1). Significant differences in the relative chlorophyll content of M. piperita leaves were observed between treatments. The lowest inhibition of relative chlorophyll content compared to the hand-weeded control was observed in synthetic mulches. They ranged from − 1.93–4.53%, confirming their superiority in terms of the herbal drug M. piperita. The outcomes of this study show that the application of synthetic mulches, especially the silver-brown film, seems to be the most suitable model for non-chemical weed control in M. piperita cultivation.

Ability of synthetic mulches to protect ground-resting fruit from wireworm penetration

Synthetic mulches used to warm soil, conserve moisture, and prevent weeds can be penetrated by soil-borne wireworms that seek fruit such as tomato, cucurbit, and melon resting on the surface. Fruit placed on 0.7mil biodegradable- and 0.9mil polyethylene mulches were readily penetrated by wireworms; 4mil and 6mil polyethylene significantly reduced penetration. Mulch penetrability implied their permeability to attractant carbon dioxide emitted by the fruit. The impenetrability of woven fabric implied physical exclusion since it is entirely permeable to CO2.

Mesh-shelters provide more effective long-term protection than tube-shelters or mulching for restoration of Pinus halepensis in a Mediterranean arid ecosystem

Forest restoration is challenging in arid and semiarid lands. Research has identified ecotechnologies that may alleviate stressful conditions of planted seedlings, but studies are often limited to the first few years of regeneration establishment. Over 20 years, we tested the effects of tree shelters (mesh- and tube-shelters) and competition suppression (two types of synthetic mulch and manual weeding) on soil water content and development of Pinus halepensis on an arid site in southeastern Spain. Competition suppression increased soil water content at shallow depths only using a polyethylene sheet, with no effect on survival. Tree shelters had a much greater effect than competition suppression on tree responses. Survival was mostly affected by shelter type, with lower survival in tube-shelters compared to mesh-shelters and non-protected seedlings; differences began after the first year, but became more pronounced following an intense drought at 3 years. Survival for pines protected by mesh-shelters was significantly higher than for non-protected seedlings beginning at 6 years, and mortality did not stabilize until 15 years. After 20 years, survival ranked in order of mesh-shelters (57.5%), non-sheltered (46%), and tube-shelters (29.5%). Effects of shelter type on growth response over time followed an opposite pattern, with differences declining when pines outgrew the height of the shelter after 3 years. The response of pines to tube-shelters could be explained by the microenvironmal differences among vertical protection and its effects on a shade intolerant species such as Pinus halepensis: survival depletion is provoked probably by a reduction in root growth under the shaded conditions of tubes. On the other side, growth and morphology response could be partially explained by differences in light, but response of pines in mesh also points towards a reduction of wind pressure that precludes stem growth in thickness. Competition suppression had no effect on pine growth. Lack of response to main effects of competition suppression treatments can be attributed to the minimum changes of soil water content to mulching or weeding under arid conditions. Thus, 20 years after planting, tube-shelters and competition suppression treatments were relatively ineffective at improving survival or growth of P. halepensis. Mesh-shelters are recommended as the most effective protection method for restoration under arid site conditions.

Different Floor Management Systems Affect Soil Properties and Initial Development of Apple Tree (Malus × domestica Borkh.) in an Orchard

In order to achieve sustainable food production, non-chemical weed management practices need to be developed for fruit growing. Tailor-made floor management systems enable efficient weed regulation, but they also affect the soil quality in an orchard. In this article, the effects of various floor management systems in a ‘Red Jonaprince’ apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) orchard on the soil properties and the trees’ nutritional status and initial development during the first two years after the orchard’s establishment were assessed. The experiment was set up in the spring of 2017 in the Experimental Orchard of WULS. ‘Red Jonaprince’ cv. trees grafted on M.9 rootstock were planted with 3.5 × 1 m spacing between them. Different floor management systems were applied to the rows, including the selected organic mulches: Miscanthus × giganteus straw (MG1 and MG2), spent mushroom substrates (SMS1 and SMS2), herbicide strip (HS), clear mechanical soil cultivation (MC), and synthetic black mulch (BC). The organic mulches affected the soil properties significantly. Spent mushroom substrates (SMS1, SMS2) increased the P and K contents in the soil, increased the salinity 10-fold, and retarded the growth in terms of the trunk cross-section area (TCSA) and its increment compared with other systems. Miscanthus × giganteus straw mulch (MG1, MG2) was associated with a more vigorous shoot growth compared with other combinations in the first year of the study as it provided a better tree nitrogen nutritional status. The floor management system affected the generative development of the trees. Mulching with a spent mushroom substrate boosted the flower bud formation intensity, but it did not affect the yielding quantity. Moreover, due to the poor fruit set, the trees mulched with a spent mushroom substrate (SMS2) gave a low initial bearing. High crop loads were noted for the trees treated with black synthetic mulch (BC) and the trees mulched with Miscanthus × giganteus straw (MG1). This was an effect of the tree size rather than the blooming intensity, while there were no differences in the cropping efficiency index (CEI) parameter.

Comparative Analysis on Impact of Different Mulches on Growth and Yield Parameters of Mulberry under Rainfed Condition of Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir

The current study was formulated to analyse the impact of different biodegradable and synthetic mulches on growth and yield parameters of mulberry plant. Among the selected parameters survival rate of mulberry plants was recorded to be maximum in T-2 i.e, paddy straw and husk as 95% followed by T-1 and T-3 i.e, Black polythene mulch and Green branches of tree respectively as 90% and least for Control i.e, without any mulch as 70%. Least population of weeds with minimum intensity was recorded in T-1 (05) followed by T-2 (08) and T-3 (10). Maximum weed flora with highest intensity of weeds was found in Control i.e, without any mulch (20). For the studied samples, maximum soil moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity (MRC) of 66.57 & 95.6% was recorded in T-1 followed by T-3 as 40.31 & 87% and T-2 as 16.36 & 91% and minimum in control as 13.43 & 85.56%. The pH was recorded as 6.1 in T-1 depicting the slightly acidic soiland could be viewed as the most appropriate soil pH for mulberry cultivation. Available NPK were recorded to be in the most ideal range for T-1 as 8.2, 1.3 and 9.6%. Maximum leaf size was recorded in T-1 as 126cm followed by T-2 and T-3 as 116cm and 110cm respectively and 105cm in control. Moisture percentage was recorded to be highest 76.23% followed by 74.61% and 54.16% for T-3, T-1 and T-2 respectively and 68.2% in control. Maximum MRC was observed in case of plants grown under Black polythene mulch (73.24%) and least in green branch mulch (61.39%). Therefore, it can be concluded that application of suitable bio-mulches in mulberry fields can reduce the dependency of chemical weedicides.

Cover crop-based reduced tillage management impacts organic squash yield, pest pressure, and management time

Cover crop-based reduced tillage (CCBRT) systems can provide multiple benefits in cucurbit cropping systems, including potential to reduce spread of soil-borne pathogens, minimize erosion, and decrease weed pressure. Despite benefits and farmer interest, adoption has been limited, in part due to inconsistent weed suppression and potential for reduced yields. Prior studies have suggested that N competition, allelopathy, and lower temperature may be factors in reducing vegetable yield in CCBRT systems. A strip tillage approach has been suggested as one strategy that could mitigate those issues, but cucurbit yields using these systems have shown mixed results in prior studies, some of which did not include other important considerations for growers such as the impact on weed and pest pressure. In 2018 and 2019, CCBRT strip till practices for organic acorn winter squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) production were assessed in Wisconsin on certified organic land. Combinations of different between-row (aisle) and in-row mulches were compared to attempt to identify reduced tillage combinations that effectively manage weeds while resulting in yields comparable to full tillage production, testing our hypothesis that no differences between production systems would be observed due to strip tillage and plastic mulch warming soil and minimizing competition while promoting cash crop growth. Aisle treatments included roller-crimped cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) mulch, straw mulch and cultivated bare ground, and in-row treatments included plastic mulch, ground straw mulch, and cultivated ground. Weed and pest counts, weed management time, and yields were compared between treatments. Plots managed with rye and straw in the aisles had significantly less weed pressure as compared to cultivated aisle treatments, although rye required more weed management time than ground straw mulch. In addition, rye resulted in lower marketable yield due to higher proportion unmarketable fruit in 2018, likely related to a 25 cm rain event 2 weeks prior to harvest. A significant row mulch × aisle mulch interaction was observed for marketable fruit m−1, showing that yield was not significantly affected by the type of in-row mulch in plots with crimped rye mulch in the aisle. Pressure from squash bugs (Anasa tristis) was also higher in treatments with organic or synthetic mulches (straw in aisles or rows, rye in aisles, and plastic in rows). Our results support previous evidence that crimped rye can be an effective mulching strategy to reduce weed pressure, with more efficient management than traditional straw mulch. However, crimped rye systems may have negative implications for yield and pest pressure regardless of the use of a strip-tillage approach, indicating that more research is needed to refine the production system.

Weed Management Efficacy of Mulches, Planting Methods and NAA Application in Capsicum annuum L. under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Sweet pepper is one of the most popular vegetables cultivated worldwide, which yield and quality is highly affected by weeds. Synthetic mulches and raised beds are a part of a wide strategy of integrated weed management in vegetable production systems. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in Dr YSP UHF, Nauni, Solan (HP) for two years to evaluate the effect of polythene mulches, planting on raised beds (RB) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) application on weed management and yield of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crop. Result: The interaction effect of raised bed (RB) + black polythene mulch (BPM) + NAA has recorded less weed density, greater weed control efficiency (64.12%) and lower dry weed biomass (117.83 g/m2). However, highest yield (38.47 t/ha) of sweet pepper was recorded with raised bed (RB) + silver polythene mulch (SPM) + Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).

Mulching as a Sustainable Water and Soil Saving Practice in Agriculture: A Review

This research was carried out in order to demonstrate that mulching the ground helps to conserve water, because agricultural sustainability in dryland contexts is threatened by drought, heat stress, and the injudicious use of scarce water during the cropping season by minimizing surface evaporation. Improving soil moisture conservation is an ongoing priority in crop outputs where water resources are restricted and controlled. One of the reasons for the desire to use less water in agriculture is the rising demand brought on by the world’s growing population. In this study, the use of organic or biodegradable mulches was dominated by organic materials, while inorganic mulches are mostly comprised of plastic-based components. Plastic film, crop straw, gravel, volcanic ash, rock pieces, sand, concrete, paper pellets, and livestock manures are among the materials put on the soil surface. Mulching has several essential applications, including reducing soil water loss and soil erosion, enriching soil fauna, and improving soil properties and nutrient cycling in the soil. It also reduces the pH of the soil, which improves nutrient availability. Mulching reduces soil deterioration by limiting runoff and soil loss, and it increases soil water availability by reducing evaporation, managing soil temperature, or reducing crop irrigation requirements. This review paper extensively discusses the benefits of organic or synthetic mulches for crop production, as well as the uses of mulching in soil and water conservation. As a result, it is very important for farmers to choose mulching rather than synthetic applications.

MODELING THE ONION YIELD RESPONSE TO DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND MULCH USING MULTIPLE REGRESSION MODEL IN SEMI-ARID NIGERIA

Effect of deficit irrigation, mulch practices, crop growth and water use parameters on the yield of Onion was modeled using a multiple linear regression model. The crop evapotranspiration, number of leaves, leaf height and canopy cover of the Onion were used as the independent variables. Onion bulb yield was the dependent variable under four mulching materials (rice straw, RM; wood shaving, WM; white synthetic plastic, SM and no mulch, NM) in the semi-arid region, of Nigeria. The regression analysis revealed that the independent variables in the model predicted the Onion bulb yield significantly (p < 0.05) under mulching conditions, while no mulch plots yielded no significance as indicated by the ANOVA statistic. The overall model degree of determination (r2) of the dependent variable of 0.97, 0.97, 0.98, and 0.81 were obtained under SM, WM, RM, and NM respectively indicating that the multiple regression model predicted the dependent variable satisfactorily. The co-efficient values show that the highest coefficient was obtained at the number of leaves (0.56) followed by crop evapotranspiration (0.33). It was observed that among the four multiple regression models developed, the model obtained with white synthetic plastic mulch produce a better yield. Thus, white synthetic plastic mulch conserved soil moisture thereby improving Onion bulb yield. When the models were tested, a slight overestimation of the Onion bulb yield at both mulched and no mulched regression models was observed as compared with the yield from the field. Therefore, the model obtained with white synthetic plastic mulch produces a better yield.

Evaluation of Aqua-Crop Model using Onion Crop under Deficit Irrigation and Mulch in Semi-arid Nigeria

The Aqua-Crop simulation model has been playing a crucial role in assessing the performance of the existing strategies for the management of irrigation schemes for improving agricultural water use efficiency. This study evaluated the Aqua-Crop model using Onion crops under deficit irrigation and mulch practices in semi-arid Nigeria. Measurements were taken from the experimental plots which consisted of irrigation and mulch each at 4 levels were used to evaluate the Aqua-Crop model using canopy cover, biomass, yield, actual crop ET, and water productivity of Onion during the 2021 irrigation season. The simulated results from the Aqua-Crop model were evaluated and statistically compared with the experimental results. The model simulated canopy cover with the highest degree of correlation coefficient (0.74 ≤ r ≤ 0.94). The model perfectly predicted Onion yield and biomass under full irrigation irrespective of the mulching. However, the model underestimated Onion yield and biomass at deficit irrigation. The model has perfectly estimated the seasonal actual crop evapotranspiration at different irrigation levels and mulch materials while underestimating water productivity in most of the treatments except at 100% irrigation under white synthetic mulch. However, both model and experimental water productivity were better at white synthetic mulch plots. Therefore, the Aqua-Crop model has proven to be a good Onion crop growth and yield predictor under different irrigation levels and mulch materials which can help improve Onion productivity in water-stressed areas like semi-arid Nigeria.

Effect of Organic and Synthetic Mulches on Soil Temperature, Nutrient Availability and Yield of Squash

The field experiment was conducted on squash cv. Bulam house at Central Research Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur under AEZ-28 during rabi season of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to study the effect of organic and synthetic mulches on soil temperature, nutrient availability and yield of squash.The treatments were T1: control, T2: black polyethylene mulch, T3: white polyethylene mulch and T4: rice straw mulch. The experiment is laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), where each treatment was replicated thrice. Data on growth and yield attributes of squash were collected during the crop growing season and after harvesting. Soil temperatures were differentially affected by the type of polyethylene mulch, with temperatures generally following the order: white polyethylene mulch>rice straw mulch>black polyethylene mulch. All plant growth characters, yield and yield contributing characters were superior with white polyethylene relative to grown without mulch (control). Treatment T3 (white polyethylene mulch) resulted in increased single fruit weight (kg) of squash than control. Fruit yield was also increased when grown in soil under white polyethylene mulch i.e. 37.6 tha-1. White polyethylene mulch had 282 % increase in yield per ha over control. The higher yield was associated with higher soil temperature in white polythene mulch compared to other mulches during crop growing period

Physiological and growth responses of grapevine rootstocks (Vitis spp.) to organic and synthetic mulch application in arid ecology under the effect of climate change

Agricultural applications in food production have great significance in alleviating the adverse influences of environmental stressors on grapevines. In this context, mulch applications are known as environment-friendly sustainable implementations for efficiently benefiting from limited water sources. Moreover, mulches have many other beneficial effects such as quality assurance, yield improvement, ripening modulation, soil amelioration, erosion prevention and weed control. Therefore the present investigations were performed in an arid ecological condition to reveal the effects of easily available organic mulch (straw) and synthetic mulch (plastic ground covering) on physiology and growth features of worldwide popular grapevine rootstocks (41 B, 99 R 44-53 M and Rupestris du Lot). Saplings of each rootstock variety were transplanted to experimental vineyard at the end of the winter season with the spacing of 1.5 x 3.0 m within and between the rows. Mulch applications were carried out at the transplanting date. Mulch applications provided significant water retention with the higher effect of organic mulch in the soil. Stomatal conductance, leaf temperature and chlorophyll content were generally increased due to mulching. They also significantly improved the leaf and shoot growth of the rootstocks in many cases. Finally, both two mulch applications could be recommended as modern techniques in viticulture to prevent the agricultural water loss and support the plant growth. However, the organic mulch could be employed for organic and/or sustainable grape production or areas where the straw is easily available as residues of animal production.