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A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, with the aim of monitoring soil loss and infiltration rate in loamy sand soil. The study focused on the effects of applying polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and mulch under simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup involved testing three levels of PVA (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%), one level of wheat-straw mulch (600 g/m2), and a Control treatment (untreated soil). Each of these treatments was replicated four times. The lowest soil loss (20.9 g/m2) was recorded under the 1.0% PVA treatment, while the highest (120.1 g/m2) was seen under the 0.5% PVA treatment. The 1.0% PVA treatment showed a significant reduction in soil loss compared to the 0.5% PVA, 0.75% PVA, mulch, and Control treatments, with reductions of approximately 82.6%, 45.1%, 81.2%, and 89.6%, respectively. Regarding infiltration rates, the Control treatment exhibited the lowest rate (2.4 cm/h), while the 1.0% PVA treatment displayed the highest rate (9.6 cm/h). Additionally, the use of mulch led to a 44.7% reduction in soil loss compared to the treatment without mulch, likely due to the mitigated impact of raindrops. The infiltration rate was significantly higher (4.8 cm/h) under the mulched treatment compared to the unmulched treatment (2.4 cm/h). Overall, the application of PVA and mulch resulted in a drastic reduction in soil loss, likely attributable to the enhanced stability of soil aggregates, improved infiltration rate, and reduced runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the deciduous fruit industry, orchards are often excavated and trees chipped. The organic material is then used as mulch for soil conservation, a practice that form part of sustainable agricultural. The presence and possible transmission of plant pathogens are not considered when trees are removed, chipped and used for mulch. Young apple trees can develop cankers due to Diplodia seriata of which the inoculum source might come from fruiting structures present on apple wood mulch. Therefore, the presence of D. seriata, on chipped apple tree wood pieces used for mulch in younger orchards was investigated. To be able to detect D. seriata, qPCR primers were designed from a previously identified unique sequence characterised amplified region (SCAR). The qPCR primers were specific for D. seriata (Cq ≤ 35 and Tm = 85 0.17 °C) when compared with DNA from nineteen other fungal taxa associated with canker or wood rot of apple trees tested, excluding Botryosphaeria dothidea (Cq = 38 and Tm = 85.25 °C). The qPCR assay was sensitive and had a limit of quantification of 2859 fg/µl and limit of detection of 571 fg/µl. Wood chips were collected at two time periods (from heaps and 6 months after it was spread in tree rows) in three apple orchards in the Western Cape of South Africa. DNA was extracted from water-washes of 120 wood piece samples and D. seriata was detected from 101 of these samples. This study showed that the newly developed primers was able to successfully detect D. seriata from mulched apple wood. The presence of D. seriata on apple tree wood chips indicates that there is a risk involved in using wood chips made from old apple trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted during the months of January to March in the year 2023 at Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat). A field experiment was conducted to assess the performance of mulch and row covers in early watermelon cultivation with the primary aim on strategically removing row covers days after sowing. Randomized Block Design was employed with featuring of three treatments (mulching without row cover, mulching with row cover for 30 days and mulching with row cover for 45 days). Various yield and yield attribute parameters were recorded and analysed. The research findings indicated that the removal of row covers 30 days after sowing significantly influenced main vine length (2.72 m), number of nodes per main vine (36.40), number of fruits plant-1 (2.53), yield plant-1 (4.21 kg) and yield ha-1 (62.32 t ha-1). Removal of row covers 30 days after sowing exhibited higher net returns (₹ 4, 85, 419 ha-1) and higher benefit-cost ratio (4.52). Removal of row cover 45 days after sowing significantly reduced the watermelon yield. The results unveiled that mulching with a row cover aster 30 days of sowing is the optimal approach for increasing watermelon yield and net returns in early watermelon cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recruitment failures of Serianthes nelsonii are among the threats to this species' recovery, yet adaptive management research to understand the causes of seedling mortality is lacking. Insufficient available light in the in situ forest floor is one factor that may be involved, and below-plant reflection of incident light may improve seedling survival. Mirrors were placed beneath S. nelsonii, Serianthes grandiflora, and Serianthes kanehirae seedlings in container nursery conditions and S. grandiflora seedlings in a closed-canopy forest to determine the influence of the additional reflected light on seedling survival and growth. Below-plant mirrors increased nursery seedling survival for S. nelsonii and S. kanehirae, with 75% combined survival without mirrors and 88% combined survival with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased stem height by 51% for the three species, with greater stem diameter and ending leaf number also occurring for plants with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased S. grandiflora seedling survival to 161% and longevity to 236% compared to plants without mirrors under forest cover. The plants receiving mirrors also increased by 175% in height, 60% in stem diameter, and 117% in leaf number compared to the plants without mirrors. These findings indicate that passive solar engineering by exploiting below-plant light reflection may be used as a Serianthes conservation protocol to improve seedling survival and growth under shaded conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green manure legumes represent an important nitrogen (N) source potentially reducing the need for fertilizer inputs. Organic vegetable production systems, which aim to reduce reliance on external N sources, require enhanced control over legume-derived N and high transfer efficiency, with which this N contributes to the N supply for vegetable crops. The primary objective of the study was to quantify the N fertilizer value of cut green manure herbage transferred to vegetable crops and to evaluate residual effects on subsequent cereal crops. During four field experiments, the apparent net N mineralization of soil incorporated and surface mulched cut-and-carry biomass differing in nutrient composition and application rate ranged from 6 to 39% and from 4 and 27% within the year of their application, respectively. Despite a positive response of mulch N mineralization to application rate, the highest short-term N release was observed for soil incorporated herbage with low C:N ratio, being potentially comparable to that of organic N fertilizers. Net residual N effects on subsequent cereal crops averaged 5.2 and 5.3% for soil incorporated and mulched herbage biomass respectively, and did not compensate for low N mineralization rates in the year of application. Ensiled herbage exhibited low short-term N mineralization rates not exceeding 9%, limiting its potential to replace organic N fertilizers for early-season vegetable crops. Thus, a significant challenge arises from the lack of timely synchronicity between biomass availability and vegetable cropping periods, constraining efforts to reduce reliance on external N sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A study was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, with the aim of monitoring soil loss and infiltration rate in loamy sand soil. The study focused on the effects of applying polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and mulch under simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup involved testing three levels of PVA (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%), one level of wheat-straw mulch (600 g/m2), and a Control treatment (untreated soil). Each of these treatments was replicated four times. The lowest soil loss (20.9 g/m2) was recorded under the 1.0% PVA treatment, while the highest (120.1 g/m2) was seen under the 0.5% PVA treatment. The 1.0% PVA treatment showed a significant reduction in soil loss compared to the 0.5% PVA, 0.75% PVA, mulch, and Control treatments, with reductions of approximately 82.6%, 45.1%, 81.2%, and 89.6%, respectively. Regarding infiltration rates, the Control treatment exhibited the lowest rate (2.4 cm/h), while the 1.0% PVA treatment displayed the highest rate (9.6 cm/h). Additionally, the use of mulch led to a 44.7% reduction in soil loss compared to the treatment without mulch, likely due to the mitigated impact of raindrops. The infiltration rate was significantly higher (4.8 cm/h) under the mulched treatment compared to the unmulched treatment (2.4 cm/h). Overall, the application of PVA and mulch resulted in a drastic reduction in soil loss, likely attributable to the enhanced stability of soil aggregates, improved infiltration rate, and reduced runoff.

Extended Abstract Background: Inefficient management in the traditional cultivation of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) in the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, especially in Mazandaran province, is the main factor in reducing the quantitative and qualitative yields of the fruit, which may be due to inappropriate cultivation methods and environmental factors. To overcome these shortcomings, farmers have started to use raised bed stack cultivation systems covered with plastic mulches. Today, the development of new technologies in the production of horticultural products at the macro scale has also provided the necessary capacity for the benefit of the micro strata of society. The use of plastic mulch in the strawberry rise-bed affects the yield and quality of the strawberry fruit due to the heat and light conditions that it creates in the surrounding environment (microclimate) of the plant. Therefore, this research aimed to use the advantages of using colored plastic mulch microclimate on increasing income and rural business. Methods: The studied area is located at 36 33 N and 53 00 E, and 14 m above sea level, with an average temperature of 17.9 °C, average rainfall of 650 mm, and silty-clay soil texture. The effect of colored plastic mulch microclimates in the strawberry rise-bed on rural business and micro-economy was investigated in an experiment based on a completely randomized block design with four experimental treatments. The treatments were red, black, and white plastic mulches, with a control (without mulch), which were conducted with three replications in the entrepreneurial farm of Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran, in the 2021-2022 growth season. The fruits were harvested for 4 days, and the fruits of each plant were carefully weighed after each harvest. The antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and flavonoid compounds were measured in the fruits. In the end, the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA with SAS software (SAS 9.1). The Duncan post hoc test was employed to compare treatment means (Duncan = 0.05). Results: The colored plastic mulches significantly affected the quantitative and qualitative yields of strawberry fruits. Red, white, and black plastic mulches produced the highest yields (11910.17, 10441.83, and 9706.2 g, respectively) compared to the control treatment (7164.3 g). Thus, the income from the sale of fruits in red, white, and black plastic mulches increased by 65.8, 57.7, and 16.9%, respectively, compared to the control. Moreover, the number of fruits harvested from the first, second, and third groups was assigned to the treatments with plastic mulch. The income from the sale of the fruits in the first and second groups in red mulch increased by 181 and 87%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. In addition, the income from the sale of fruits in the third group in the white mulch treatment increased by 86% compared to the control, and black (75%) and red (65%) mulches were ranked next. In the fourth group, the income from the sale of fruits in red, black, and white mulches decreased by 63, 22, and 25%, respectively, compared to the control. These findings showed more favorable marketability of the product in colored plastic mulches. In addition, the number of fruits harvested from the first, second, and third groups, which showed more favorable marketability of the product, was assigned to treatments with plastic mulches. According to the results, the highest (71.8 mg/100 g) and the lowest (58.5 mg/100 g) fruit anthocyanin contents were measured in the red mulch and control treatments, respectively. The highest phenol content belonged to red, black, and white mulches (60.2, 61.1, and 60.9 mg.GA/g, respectively), which were not significantly different from each other. However, these treatments were noticeably superior to the control treatment (47.9 mg.GA/g). Red and black mulch treatments contained the highest flavonoid contents (12.5 and 12.8 mg.Qu/g, respectively), followed by white mulch (10.2 m.Qu/g) and the control treatment (6.9 m.Qu/g). Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that the use of plastic mulches in the strawberry rise-bed significantly increases the quantitative and qualitative yields of the fruits, early maturity of the fruit, favorable marketability, and lack of fruit contact with the soil surface compared to control treatment (without mulch). Therefore, the income from the sale of fruits at all stages of harvesting showed the superiority of colored plastic mulches compared to the control. Meanwhile, the number of fruits in the first and second groups was higher in the red plastic mulch treatment, indicating early ripening and better marketability of the fruit, and as a result, higher income than the other treatments. Therefore, using plastic mulches can be considered a useful tool for increasing rural income, business prosperity, and micro-economy.

IntroductionBean is one of the most important legumes worldwide for direct human consumption and it is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. Bean is weak in competing with weeds due to its slow growth during the early stages. Therefore, competition with weeds causes a significant reduction in grain yield at the end of the growing season. Weeds and crops are always competing for obtaining nutrients, water, light and space. Weed competition is a kind of nonliving stress, which effect on plant yield. The photosynthetic capacity of plants depends on abiotic factors such as the quality and quantity of light. Each of the photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids absorb light at a different wave length. The rate of photosynthesis and biomass production in plants is also largely dependent on the chlorophyll content of leaves. The weed interference in the plant growth maybe caused a change in the content of carotenoids and chlorophyll pigments in plant leaves. Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars, with different morphological and genetic characteristics, show different responses in the presence of weeds, which may ultimately result in possible difference in yield. Measurement of growth indices is necessary to study the competitive ability of species during the growth period. Materials and MethodsIn order to investigate the effect of different chemical and non-chemical weed control managements on the yield of determinate and indeterminate bean varieties, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. This field experiment was carried out in Behshahr, Mazandaran, in 2021. The first factor was different weed control methods: application of trifluralin herbicide as pre-sowing 2.5 liters per hectare; application of trifluralin herbicide 2.5 liters per hectare + one weeding; wheat mulch in the amount of two tons per hectare; application of bentazon 50% of the recommended dose; application of bentazon 75% of the recommended dose; application of bentazon 100% of the recommended dose; weed-free control and control with weed infestation and the second factor includes bean cultivars: Negin variety (determinate growth type) and Sadri variety (indeterminate growth type). Weeds were sampled at flowering and final harvesting stages, and weed species, density, and dry weight of weeds were measured. Also, photosynthetic pigments and yield were investigated. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that weed species in the field were from 9 plant families and included 10 species. From the total species observed in the field, 4 species have C4 photosynthetic pathway, 4 species have C3 photosynthetic pathway and one species has CAM photosynthetic pathway. The Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Portulaca oleracea L. species had the highest frequency and Chrozophora tinctoria and Physalis alkekengi had the lowest frequency in the field. In all three stages (21 days after planting, flowering and final harvesting stages), the highest density and dry weight of weeds were observed in the control treatment without weeding, and among the weed management treatments, mulch and bentazon 100% treatments caused a decrement in the density and dry weight of weeds in both Negin and Sadri cultivars. Based on the results, the highest chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll were observed in both Negin and Sadri cultivars in the weed-free control treatment, and the lowest values were in the control treatment without weeding. Also, the control treatment without weeding had the highest amount of carotenoids in Negin cultivar (0.41 mg.g-1 fresh weight) and in Sadri cultivar (0.37 mg.g-1 fresh weight), while the lowest ones in Negin and Sadri cultivar (0.29 and 0.28 mg.g-1 fresh weight, respectively) was observed in the weed-free control treatment. The highest seed yield of Negin and Sadri cultivar (1957.11 and 2426.01 kg.ha-1, respectively) were observed in the weed-free control treatment. ConclusionsIn general, it can be concluded that the Sadri cultivar with higher competitive ability has performed better against the weed than the Negin cultivar. Among the weed management treatments, the non-chemical management of mulch and the chemical treatment of bentazon 100% had better performance.

Melon (Cucumis melo) is considered a valuable agricultural crop in terms of nutrition and economy. However, viral diseases pose a serious threat to melon production. This study investigates the importance of using defense activator to reduce the impact of viruses on melon yield and quality. Elicitors and polyethylene mulch were used as defense activator to increase plant tolerance to viruses. Agricultural plots in the Abravan region of Mashhad were prepared, and treatments included the use of mulch and elicitors at different stages of melon plant growth. Leaf samples were collected from symptomatic plants, and RNA was extracted from the leaf tissues. Duplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (dRT-PCR) was used to simultaneously identify Cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV) and Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV). The percentage of viral symptoms in the plants across the treatment groups was analyzed. The results showed the presence of CABYV and CYSDV in different treatments. Treatment with elicitors and polyethylene mulch significantly reduced the severity of mosaic and yellowing symptoms in melon plants at the seedling and 2-4 leaf stages. Additionally, this treatment increased crop yield per hectare and prevented infection by CABYV and CYSDV. The findings suggest that the combination of elicitors and polyethylene mulch can be an effective strategy to reduce viral symptoms and increase crop yield in melon cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop productivity, soil quality and fertility have been degraded due to intensive conventional tillage and poor crop management practices. Conservation tillage along with proper crop establishment methods (including seed priming, integrated nutrient management) helps in sustaining the productivity of crops, especially under rainfed conditions. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of seed priming, tillage and nutrient management practices on nutrient balance; chemical and microbial properties of soil; and productivity of maize-wheat cropping system in rainfed conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three factors (tillage, seed priming and nutrient management) and control as independent treatment for general comparison of results. The findings showed that chemical and microbial properties of soil were enhanced under zero tillage+ mulch as compared to other tillage practices. However, crop productivity was higher in conventional tillage+ mulch (70.28 q/ha (maize), 35.27 q/ha (wheat)). Under nutrient management practices, integrated nutrient management proved to be better as compared to recommended dose of fertilizers. Highest production efficiency (32.8 kg ha−1 day−1) was found under CT+M,Hydro,Int. Nutrient balance (N, P, K) was found higher in treatments with integrated nutrient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of mulch stands as a paramount approach in the management of wind erosion and the stabilization of soil and drifting sands. This study aimed to explore the impact of various concentrations of spent liquor (20 %, 30 %, and 50 % v/v) derived from SO2–ethanol–water (SEW) fractionation of Eucalyptus wood on the physical and mechanical properties of sand. These properties encompassed moisture content, thickness, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), wind erodibility, penetration resistance, and seed germination. The findings revealed that the highest compressive strength (0.76 MPa) was attained with mulch consisting of 50 % SEW spent liquor, resulting in a 3.3-fold increase in penetration resistance compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the 20 % concentration of spent liquor did not adversely affect the germination of black saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron), whereas the lowest seed germination rate was associated with the 50 % concentration. Based on the measured parameters, the optimal mulch treatment for stabilizing drifting sands was identified as mulch with a 50 % (v/v) concentration. This study underscores the efficacy of SEW spent liquor in dust control and mitigating its environmental impacts, thus highlighting its potential in sustainable soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBean is one of the most important legumes worldwide for direct human consumption and it is a rich source of protein and carbohydrates. Bean is weak in competing with weeds due to its slow growth during the early stages. Therefore, competition with weeds causes a significant reduction in grain yield at the end of the growing season. Weeds and crops are always competing for obtaining nutrients, water, light and space. Weed competition is a kind of nonliving stress, which effect on plant yield. The photosynthetic capacity of plants depends on abiotic factors such as the quality and quantity of light. Each of the photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids absorb light at a different wave lenth. The rate of photosynthesis and biomass production in plants is also largely dependent on the chlorophyll content of leaves. The weed interference in the plant growth maybe caused a change in the content of carotenoids and chlorophyll pigments in plant leaves. Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars, with different morphological and genetic characteristics, show different responses in the presence of weeds, which may ultimately result in possible difference in yield. Measurement of growth indices is necessary to study the competitive ability of species during the growth faiod. Materials and MethodsIn order to investigate the effect of different chemical and non-chemical weed control managements on the yield of determinate and indeterminate bean varieties, an exfaiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. This field exfaiment was carried out in Behshahr, Mazandaran, in 2021. The first factor was different weed control methods: application of trifluralin herbicide as pre-sowing 2.5 liters fa hectare; application of trifluralin herbicide 2.5 liters fa hectare + one weeding; wheat mulch in the amount of two tons fa hectare; application of bentazon 50% of the recommended dose; application of bentazon 75% of the recommended dose; application of bentazon 100% of the recommended dose; weed-free control and control with weed infestation and the second factor includes bean cultivars: Negin variety (determinate growth type) and Sadri variety (indeterminate growth type). Weeds were sampled at flowering and final harvesting stages, and weed species, density, and dry weight of weeds were measured. Also, photosynthetic pigments and yield were investigated.  Results and DiscussionThe results showed that weed species in the field were from 9 plant families and included 10 species. From the total species observed in the field, 4 species have C4 photosynthetic pathway, 4 species have C3 photosynthetic pathway and one species has CAM photosynthetic pathway. The Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Portulaca oleracea L. species had the highest frequency and Chrozophora tinctoria and Physalis alkekeni had the lowest frequency in the field. In all three stages (21 days after planting, flowering and final harvesting stages), the highest density and dry weight of weeds were observed in the control treatment without weeding, and among the weed management treatments, mulch and bentazon 100% treatments caused a decrement in the density and dry weight of weeds in both Negin and Sadri cultivars. Based on the results, the highest chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll were observed in both Negin and Sadri cultivars in the weed-free control treatment, and the lowest values were in the control treatment without weeding. Also, the control treatment without weeding had the highest amount of carotenoids in Negin cultivar (0.41 mg.g-1 fresh weight) and in Sadri cultivar (0.37 mg.g-1 fresh weight), while the lowest ones in Negin and Sadri cultivar (0.29 and 0.28 mg.g-1 fresh weight, respectively) was observed in the weed-free control treatment. The highest seed yield of Negin and Sadri cultivar (1957.11 and 2426.01 kg.ha-1, respectively) were observed in the weed-free control treatment. ConclusionsIn general, it can be concluded that the Sadri cultivar with higher competitive ability has faformed better against the weed than the Negin cultivar. Among the weed management treatments, the non-chemical management of mulch and the chemical treatment of bentazon 100% had better faformance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the ways to reduce evaporation from the soil is to use modifiers. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of modifiers with two mixed and surface applications on the rate of evaporation from the soil. This research was carried out in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture of Lorestan University with treatments of wheat straw and cow manure at three levels (zero, 1 and 5% weight). The soil moisture was kept constant for 4 months at the agricultural capacity. The amount of evaporation in June and August 2021 in each pot was measured by weight in two periodes of 10 and 18 days. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the rate of evaporation between the treatments used with surface application and mixture. After the end of evaporation measurement and stopping it in June and August, wheat straw had the lowest evaporation. The use of wheat straw at the level of 5% by weight on the surface in June 4.7 and in August 1.7 times compared to the control treatment had the greatest reduction in evaporation. In addition, the use of modifiers improves the soil structure, which the results of this test show with the highest MWD with the use of a mixture of 5% by weight of wheat straw in the amount of 0.48 mm. Due to the significant difference in the application of modifiers, the surface application of modifiers is recommended to control the rate of evaporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of microsilica improves the mechanical properties of mixtures containing Ca(OH)2 due to the chemical reaction between SiO2 in microsilica and Ca(OH)2 in the composition of prepared mixtures. This study aims to compare the efficiency of different microsilica-based mulches in sand stabilization. Several mixtures were prepared through combining microsilica with clay, lime, gypsum, and cement. Data were analyzed as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with treatments including: 1) mulch type: microsilica-clay-lime, microsilica-clay, microsilica-cement, microsilica-lime, microsilica-clay-gypsum, and microsilica-gypsum; 2) thickness: one- and two-layers, and 3) time (7 and 60 days) in 3 replications. Penetration resistance (PR), shear strength (SS), threshold friction velocity (V), and soil loss (SL) were measured. Results revealed that microsilica-clay-lime and microsilica-cement showed the highest PR (6.02 kgcm−2), SS (7.08 and 6.71 Ncm−2, respectively), and V (18.25 and 18.11 ms−1, respectively), and the lowest SL which makes them the most suitable mulches for sand stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 efÏciency (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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation scheduling plays a pivotal role in water management. Conventional irrigation methods often struggle to maintain consistent moisture across fields due to uniform water application irrespective of field conditions and soil moisture levels. Automatic soil moisture sensors offer a solution by tailoring irrigation based on field conditions. These systems trigger irrigation when soil is too dry or skip it when moisture levels are sufficient. Hence, setting the right threshold value is key for sensor-based irrigation. This study involved laboratory testing of an irrigation controller, and determining soil matric potential and volumetric water content at various thresholds (1 to 9) for Fargo Silty Clay soil. Subsequently, a field experiment assessed its performance for a drip irrigation system at different thresholds (5, 6, 7, and 8) for watermelon cultivation, both with and without clear plastic mulch, in a randomized layout. Thresholds 5, 6, 7, and 8 (-35, -45, -55, and -70 kPa), along with no irrigation, were considered with one irrigation event daily. Results from laboratory and field tests underscore the controller's efficacy in managing drip irrigation timing and duration. Notably, threshold 7 (-55 kPa) combined with clear plastic mulch emerged as the most optimal treatment, yielding the highest watermelon production of 129.6 tons/ha. Moreover, this approach delivered premium produce quality, but utilizing only 142.2 mm of irrigation water. This study emphasizes the role of precise irrigation scheduling. By integrating smart technology and thoughtful threshold setting, agricultural practices can be elevated, yielding abundant crops while conserving water and promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during kharif season to investigate the performance of tomato cultivation under plastic mulch and without mulch condition. Five different treatments were designed in which T1-Lakshmi, T2-Swaraksha, T3-Swarna Sampda, T4-Vidya and T5-Ashok varieties were sown under drip irrigated fertigation system with four replications. The mortality rate of T1, T2 and T3 were 22.5%, 24.2% and 25.3% more as compared to without plastic mulch condition. It was observed that mulch condition that weeds was found to be very low in comparison to without mulch condition which was 42 g/m² and 1665 g/m² respectively. The highest yield of 19.2 t/ha was recorded for treatment T1 (Lakshmi) under plastic mulch condition. The statistical analysis revealed that during kharif season cultivation of tomato crops under mulch condition is more profitable in comparison to without mulch condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiments were conducted in tomato fields and greenhouses in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate the allelopathic effects of white and red cabbage with and without mulch to control johnsongrass. The effect of these methods on Johnsongrass life cycle durations, density, length, fresh and dry weight of stems, and rhizomes were determined. Also, the effect of the treatments on the quantity and quality of tomato production was evaluated. In the greenhouse experiment, tomato seedlings were planted with johnsongrass seeds and rhizomes and were treated with plants' aqueous extracts at concentrations of 2, 5, and 10%. The germination and dry weight reduction percentage of johnsongrass were calculated. Isothiocyanates contained in white and red cabbage were identified by GC-MS. White and red cabbage with mulch reduced johnsongrass density by 69.1 and 65.9%, while the dry weight of stems and rhizomes were reduced by 78.2-74.2% and 71.3-68.0%, respectively. White and red cabbage with mulch treatments achieved an increase in tomato production by 632.1 and 621.8%. According to GC-MS analysis, the predominant isothiocyanate in white cabbage was 3-(methylsulfinyl) propyl (23.43%) and 4-(methylsulfonyl)butyl (10.79%) in red cabbage. The results of these experiments confirm that both white and red cabbage have allelopathic potential that can be used in weed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family and small-scale farming systems are increasingly important in achieving food sovereignty and sustainability. This makes necessary to characterize them and develop systems to evaluate their sustainability, which allow the monitoring of the management of various resources with a participatory approach. In this work, the application of the MESMIS methodological framework is presented for the design of a system of indicators related to the management of soil resources in the Organoponic Garden of the farm El Guayabal, which respond to the premises of simplicity, sensitivity and easy application. The methodological scheme used in the construction of the system of indicators and the results obtained in its evaluation are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1- Introduction Considering the high costs of controlling wind erosion and the difficulty of working conditions, choosing basic and technical methods to stabilize these areas, in addition to increasing work efficiency, will also be effective in reducing costs. The first priority and the most effective method of controlling wind erosion is to cover the ground with vegetation, and the more the amount of vegetation, the more effective its role will be. If it is not possible to implement biological plans, mechanical and chemical methods such as mulching should be used. Usually, the main purpose of using mulch in quicksand stabilization activities is to increase the stability of the soil surface against wind erosion in order to create a period during which there is a suitable opportunity to carry out and establish other biological activities of sand stabilization such as planting, sowing seeds, cuttings, etc., and these biological materials can be established in the desired field. In this regard, this research was carried out with the main purpose of investigating the effect of two combined mulches, Pistachio-PAM and Pistachio-PVAC, on the growth and development and nutrition of the Haloxylon persicum. 2- Methodology Pistachio-PAM and Pistachio-PVAC mulches are new hybrid mulches that combine an optimal ratio of pistachio harvest residues and polyacrylamide (PAM) and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) water-soluble polymers extracted from these wastes and water has been obtained. In this study, the establishment, growth and development of the Haloxylon plant under the conditions of applying Pistachio-PAM and Pistachio-PVAC mulches and the conditions without mulch spraying (control sample) were investigated in four replications. The effect of treatments on the growth and development of Haloxylon was determined after a period of 4 months and afterward, the plants were cut from the crown and the shoot and root parts were separated. Then, shoot and root dry weights were determined and the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in roots and shoots of the plants were measured separately. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using Minitab 14 software in the form of a completely random design, and the average repetitions were compared with MSTATC software in the form of Duncan's multi-range test. 3- Results The results showed that utilization of both mulches caused a significant increase in the shoot and root dry weights and also nutrient concentrations and their absorption by the plants. Furthermore, the presence of the investigated mulches increased significantly the root concentration of elements such as nitrogen, potassium, and manganese, where an increase of almost 250 % in the potassium concentration was observed. Also, both mulch treatments increased significantly the shoot dry weight, N and K concentrations in Haloxylon shoots and an increase of almost 150 % in the shoot dry weight was achieved in the plants treated with the mulch compared to the control. 4- Discussion & Conclusions The increase in vegetative growth in plants and the consequent increase in the concentration and absorption of elements in plants can be discussed in several aspects. Preventing the evaporation of water in windy sand is one of the factors that can be effective in increasing the vegetative and nutritional characteristics of the plant. The presence of a layer with large pores filled with air on the surface of the soil can act as thermal insulation and prevent the transfer of heat to the bottom layers of the pot and water evaporation. The use of two combined mulches, Pistachio-PAM and Pistachio-PVAC, had an effective role in plant water relations, vegetative growth, and improving the nutrition of the plant. Considering that, in order to increase the effectiveness of mulching areas sensitive to erosion or fine dust production, resistant plants suitable for biological control are usually cultivated. Therefore, it seems that the use of Pistachio-PAM and Pistachio-PVAC mulches can play an effective role in improving the growth of Haloxylon plants and it is possible to use the mulching-crown cultivation system in sand fields to stabilize flowing sands, control wind erosion and produce fine dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Environmental factors, especially temperature, are very important in the proper occurrence of saffron flower initiation stage during summer. In areas affected by heat stress, any factor that reduces the stress intensity seems to be beneficial in improving saffron reproductive growth. Corm storage under desired environmental condition is a potential strategy, when saffron is grown as an annual crop. In perennial saffron plantation, where the corms spend the flowering stage in the soil, other solutions should be considered for the proper occurrence of the flowering stage. One of these solutions is to use plant residues in the field surface to reduce the soil temperature. The presence of plant residues causes shading on the soil surface, increases the amount of sunlight reflection, reduces evaporation from the soil, regulates the moisture content of the soil, and reduces the temperature at the depth of the corm placement. Another possible solution to adjust the soil temperature during the flower initiation phase of the corm is to carry out summer irrigation, but there is not enough certainty about its usefulness. Therefore, the aim of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of storage conditions of corms, as well as the effect of summer irrigation and the application of plant residue mulch on saffron flowering. Materials and Methods: To investigate the effect of corm storage conditions on saffron reproductive growth an experiment was carried out as complete randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates during 2019 growing season, in Qaen, Iran. Experimental treatments were three types of corm storage inside the soil [corm planting in 5th June (A) with natural soil temperature as control, A + summer irrigation in 5th August and A + mulch application obtained from wheat residues at the rate of 8 ton ha-1)] and three types of corm storage outside the soil [Corm storage at room (ambient temperature) for three months started from 5th June + corm planting in 5th September (B), Corm storage in constant temperature (25 °C and relative humidity of ~40 %) in incubator for three months + B, three months corm storage at variable temperature in incubator (one month in 20, 25 and 20 °C) + B and corm storage in room (up to 5th August) and incubator (up to 5th September) + B. Results and Discussion: Results showed that summer irrigation increased the number, length and weight of cataphylls compared to control. Corm storage outside the soil (room or incubator) reduced the weight and length of cataphylls. Control and summer irrigation treatments had no significant different in terms of flower number, flowering rate and flower yield, but were superior to other treatments in terms of all the mentioned traits, especially compared with the room storage treatment. The highest values of mean flower weight (0.37 g), flower length (7.6 cm) and stigma length (2.83 cm) were obtained in mulch application treatment. Mulch application failed to improve flower and stigma yields, despite decreasing the soil temperature during the flower initiation stage. The highest values of stigma yield were gained at control, summer irrigation and mulch application (8.07, 7.28 and 6.40 kg ha-1, respectively), which were significantly more than those obtained at room storage (3.24 kg ha-1), storage in incubator with variable temperature (3.68 kg ha-1), storage in room and incubator (3.89 kg ha-1) and storage in incubator with constant temperature (4.28 kg ha-1). Conclusion: Overall, the passage of saffron flower initiation stage inside the soil significantly improved the flowering of the plant compared to the passage of this period outside the soil under room or incubator conditions. Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest related to the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pedestals have long been used as qualitative indicators of soil splash erosion. In rangelands, plant-capped pedestals, generally grass tussocks, have also been used to quantitatively estimate soil loss since the first half of the twentieth century. In agricultural lands, forests, and badlands, stone-capped pedestals have been used as qualitative and semi-quantitative indicators of active, ‘extreme’ erosion. Little work has been reported on using capstone pedestal data for quantifying soil loss. We postulate that three distinct capstone pedestal types may be present in any given location and that a detailed analysis of a pedestal height histogram may be used to recognize their populations. This analysis can subsequently inform if soil loss can be reliably estimated and if so, which of the existing methods using pedestal height data will provide more accurate results. The three proposed capstone pedestal types are: (1) neo-pedestals formed underneath surface stones exposed by (partial) removal of the soil surface cover; (2) endo-pedestals formed underneath stones that were buried in the soil but have been exposed by erosion; and (3) phoenix-pedestals formed underneath stones from collapsed pedestals. In the pedestal height histogram of any given location, a skew to smaller heights may indicate the existence of endo- and/or phoenix-pedestals, which may be revealed as a bi-(or tri) modal distribution when using a smaller bin size. This concept was applied to a case study where soil loss had been monitored for control plots and mulched plots during a 5-year period following wildfire in a eucalypt plantation. We measured pedestal heights and used methods to quantitatively assess soil loss from soil pedestal data in the available literature. Soil pedestal data at the end of the 5-year period under or overestimated soil loss in the control treatment, with results ranging from 60 to 115% of measured soil loss, depending on the method. It is postulated that phoenix- and endo-pedestals may be a driving factor behind the observed discrepancies. We discuss how future research may provide more insight into dominant processes, and how frequency distributions may be used to select the best methods for estimating soil loss from pedestals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recruitment failures of Serianthes nelsonii are among the threats to this species’ recovery, yet adaptive management research to understand the causes of seedling mortality is lacking. Insufficient available light in the in situ forest floor is one factor that may be involved, and below-plant reflection of incident light may improve seedling survival. Mirrors were placed beneath S. nelsonii, Serianthes grandiflora, and Serianthes kanehirae seedlings in container nursery conditions and S. grandiflora seedlings in a closed-canopy forest to determine the influence of the additional reflected light on seedling survival and growth. Below-plant mirrors increased nursery seedling survival for S. nelsonii and S. kanehirae, with 75% combined survival without mirrors and 88% combined survival with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased stem height by 51% for the three species, with greater stem diameter and ending leaf number also occurring for plants with mirrors. Below-plant mirrors increased S. grandiflora seedling survival to 161% and longevity to 236% compared to plants without mirrors under forest cover. The plants receiving mirrors also increased by 175% in height, 60% in stem diameter, and 117% in leaf number compared to the plants without mirrors. These findings indicate that passive solar engineering by exploiting below-plant light reflection may be used as a Serianthes conservation protocol to improve seedling survival and growth under shaded conditions.

Straw is an important by-product of crop production. It has been widely used as a feed as well as in fruit–vegetable production due to exerting a positive impact on soil and crop health and quality in the operated areas. On the other hand, applied crop-specific herbicides throughout the production stage, like aminopyralid (AP), may lead to significant plant injuries in sensitive vegetable plantations, even in very low concentrations. This study aims to optimize a short time, minimal consumables needed, and sensitive extraction and analytical method for AP residues in straw material using LC-MS/MS. For this purpose, standard AP signal response in acetonitrile (MeCN) and 1% of formic acid (FA) in methanol (MeOH) were tested; several chromatographic separation and mass spectroscopy (MS) parameters were improved and optimized. Subsequently, two different extraction methods were performed in AP spiked straw samples, and extraction efficacies were compared. Salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) by acidified MeCN combined with final dissolution in MeOH with 1% of FA prior to the analysis was chosen as the most appropriate method for the straw matrix. This method was then used for validation and real sample test analysis. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of AP in this optimized extraction method achieved 10 ng/g straw with a recovery rate of 71% and 13% RSD. The method was also tested on field straw mulch samples and 22.54 ± 0.8 ng/g of AP was detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kale, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, is an important urban crop for human health and may potentially be grown yearround even in a temperate climate. We investigated black plastic and straw mulch compared to bare soil cover in low tunnels at 10 urban garden sites and in low tunnels within a high tunnel in the USA to ascertain the influence on yield and nutrients of Red Russian kale, soil temperature, air temperature, weed pressure, and aphid abundance. Kale had low yield in garden sites, likely because the outside environment was too cold for low tunnels to gain and retain heat. Cultivating kale in a high tunnel resulted in good yields, especially when paired with a low tunnel and plastic or straw mulch, which resulted in the highest air and soil temperatures. The amount of minerals in plants within the high tunnel largely did not vary across combinations of low tunnels and ground covers, except for copper and sulfur, which were lowest in plots with no low tunnel or ground cover. Also, dietary fiber was higher when no low tunnel or ground cover was used compared to plots with a low tunnel and no ground cover. Weeds were suppressed by straw and black plastic mulch, but none of the ground covers influenced aphid abundance. Overall, our work demonstrates that Red Russian kale can be grown in a temperate climate during winter with some combinations of tunnels and ground covers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020 - 2021, on the territory of the experimental field „Chelopechene“ of IPAZR „N. Pushkarov“ an experimental trial was conducted with an intensive apple plantation of the Florina variety, created in 2017. The soils in the study area are leached cinnamon forest. In terms of rainfall, both years are very dry with a guarantee of 95.67% (2020) and 94.07% (2021). For 2020, on average, during the vegetation period of the apple plantation in the infant period, to maintain the soil moisture in the range of 70% of FC to 100% of FC, it was necessary to submit 10 watering rates with an irrigation rate of 380 mm, and for 2021. 12 watering cans with an irrigation rate of 510 mm. Water savings when using mulch averages 30-35%. For 2020 (second year) in the version with mulch, the yield is 517 kgda-1 and in the version without mulch, the yield is 266 kgda-1. In 2021 (third year), the apple orchard had a yield of 1 383 kgda-1 in the version with mulch, and 858 kgda-1 in the version without mulch. Data show that mulching has a positive effect on yield by an average of 51-62%. Main objective: Establishing the optimal irrigation regime in drip irrigation and its influence on the yield of an intensive apple orchard in its infancy under drip irrigation and mulching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Different types of mulch are often used in agricultural production to enhance soil moisture and improve crop yields. The question of which mulch provides superior water retention in arid regions, where water resources are scarce, is a major concern for agricultural production. We conducted observations and studies at a typical irrigated experimental station in an arid zone with four types of mulch, including liquid mulch (LM), biodegradable mulch (BM), ordinary black mulch (OBM), and ordinary white mulch (OWM), and plots with no mulch. Samples were collected and analyzed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after each rainfall or irrigation to obtain soil moisture changes and to analyze the effect of different mulches on soil moisture retention. The results showed that mulch cover was effective in retaining soil moisture compared to plots without mulch cover. Specifically, soil moisture was highest in the farmland with OWM during the observation period. OWM, OBM, and BM were all effective in reducing soil water evaporation and maintaining soil moisture. LM and BM were capable of utilizing rainfall to recharge soil water in a superior way, and polyethylene mulches (OBM and OWM) had a significant barrier impact on rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irrigation scheduling plays a pivotal role in water management. Conventional irrigation methods often struggle to maintain consistent moisture across fields due to uniform water application irrespective of field conditions and soil moisture levels. Automatic soil moisture sensors offer a solution by tailoring irrigation based on field conditions. These systems trigger irrigation when soil is too dry or skip it when moisture levels are sufficient. Hence, setting the right threshold value is key for sensor-based irrigation. This study involved laboratory testing of an irrigation controller, and determining soil matric potential and volumetric water content at various thresholds (1 to 9) for Fargo Silty Clay soil. Subsequently, a field experiment assessed its performance for a drip irrigation system at different thresholds (5, 6, 7, and 8) for watermelon cultivation, both with and without clear plastic mulch, in a randomized layout. Thresholds 5, 6, 7, and 8 (-35, -45, -55, and -70 kPa), along with no irrigation, were considered with one irrigation event daily. Results from laboratory and field tests underscore the controller’s efficacy in managing drip irrigation timing and duration. Notably, threshold 7 (-55 kPa) combined with clear plastic mulch emerged as the most optimal treatment, yielding the highest watermelon production of 129.6 tons/ha. Moreover, this approach delivered premium produce quality, but utilizing only 142.2 mm of irrigation water. This study emphasizes the role of precise irrigation scheduling. By integrating smart technology and thoughtful threshold setting, agricultural practices can be elevated, yielding abundant crops while conserving water and promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with other Asian Mega Deltas, the Ganges Delta, and its coastal zone, are attracting increased attention due to the threats posed by climate change and the extent of rural poverty, juxtaposed against the potential for systems intensification and improved livelihoods. While it is a salt-affected zone, the constraints to systems intensification are many and they often interact (drought-salinity, waterlogging-salinity, heat stress). Moreover, the expression and intensity of these constraints can change throughout the year, particularly during the dry/Rabi season, from year to year, and from location to location. Improved rice varieties that mature 10 to 15 days earlier and increase yield by 0.5-1 t ha-1 are a foundational change that enables cropping systems intensification in the coastal zone in the dry season. Sowing Rabi season crops earlier (before mid-December) increases their yield potential and decreases the risk associated with many constraints which intensify towards the end of the dry season (low solute potential, waterlogging and salinity, heat stress, storms). However, early sowing of Rabi season crops increases the risk of early waterlogging and that needs to be managed by drainage. Scarcity of freshwater continues to be a major constraint to dry season cropping. Short duration crops (e.g., vegetables, watermelon), water-saving technologies (e.g. mulch, drip irrigation) and restricted planting of dry-season Boro rice (to areas with adequate fresh water) are needed for resilience of the cropping systems intensification. Community-based management of water resources for both drainage and equitable allocation of freshwater needs to be part of intensification plans. Within the coastal zone, there is considerable diversity of land type, fresh water resource availability, and farm type which need to be recognized in scale-out programs. Disaster preparedness needs to be embedded in any scale-out plans for systems intensification since the risk of land and water salinization from storm surges is real and enduring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, legal regulations and social environmental concerns are converging towards the promotion of more sustainable agriculture based on organic compounds and soil preservation. These trends are fuelling the growth of the biofertilizers, which are beneficial preparations containing microorganisms able to enhance a plant's ability to uptake essential nutrients. Their production and commercialization encompass a multitude of critical steps deeply reviewed in this manuscript through an exhaustive overview of the key stages, such as microorganism selection, new environmental sources, upscaling to field trials, encapsulation, current application systems and regulatory considerations. However, although the economical expectations are promising, several methodological, environmental, and legal concerns are undermining their advancement. The redefinition of international legal frameworks, their enhancement based on trending technologies, and the fostering of multidisciplinary collaboration across sectors are key players to promote biofertilizers as eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to analysis the effect of various types of organic fertilizer and mulch types on growth and production of tomato plants. Research was conducted at Liliriaja District, Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi on January-June 2023. This research used a factorial 2 factor experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) as the environmental design. The first factor is organic fertilizer with 3 types: chicken compost 15 tons ha-1, cow manure 15 tons ha-1, and goat manure 15 tons ha-1. The second factor is mulch with 3 types: without mulch, 10 tons ha-1 rice husk mulch, and plastic mulch. The results showed that there was an interaction between chicken compost fertilizer and rice husk mulch at the number of fruit / plot (260.00 fruits), fruit weight / plot (8.00 kg) and production (26.67 tons ha-1). Chicken compost in 15 ton ha-1 gave the highest number of fruit / plant (18.93 fruits) and fruit weight/plant (727.00 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many land-based plastic pollutants are transferred by river-based sources. This study examined the accumulation of macroplastics (plastics larger than 5 cm) on the banks of a farmland river in Japan's Aichi prefecture to evaluate the plastic influx from agricultural sources. The samples were collected manually and through visual inspection. The collected samples were cleaned, and their length, width, area, and mass were measured. Using these data, the sample abundance and density in the experimental area were determined. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to identify the constituents of the samples. Most of the recovered plastics were polyethylene. Even though the downstream study site had 93 samples, which was more than the 40 samples found in the upstream site, upstream abundance (0~14 items/m2) was higher than downstream abundance (0~3.6 items/m2). A plausible explanation for this finding is the position of farmlands. When the sites were divided into segments, the 7.0–7.9-m segment at the downstream consistently yielded a large number of samples (2~3.6 items/m2). This could be owing to the presence of weeds and thorny bushes (exact species unknown) at the downstream location which were not present in the upstream location. Among the retrieved samples, 31~59% of them were plastic mulches that were used in the nearby tobacco farms for protecting the crops and retaining moisture and could be considered the source of mulches on the riverbank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists have conducted a lot of studies on soil restoration using different tree branches. However, it’s still unclear about the effects of different applied patterns of tree branches on soil nutrients, especially for microelements. This study conducted in Yinchuan Belly Desert in Ningxia, and the local common materials poplar branches were selected for following treatments: unground branch mulch (BM), chips mulch (CM), 5% chips incorporated into soil combined with BM (CI+BM), and 2%, 5%, 8% and 11% chips incorporated into soil, no any amendment used as control (CK). All above treatments were conducted with PVC containers buried in soils to mimic natural environment, with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) planted in each container. Afterward, soil nutrients and wheat growth were measured at heading stage. Results showed that compared with CK, all amendments decreased available N content (p < 0.05), and also presented a tendency to decrease available Cu as a whole. However, other nutrients presented different results with above available N and Cu. Thus, as a whole, all treatments with incorporation tended to decrease available P, K, Mn, Fe and Zn contents, while all treatments with mulches tended to increase those nutrients. Overall, all treatments had positive effects on enhancing spring wheat growth, and treatments CM and CI+BM presented highest potential. However, the tested growth indicators of spring wheat were increased first and then decreased as incorporated branches proportions increased, with 5% proportion presented highest potential. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that long-term tree branch application for soil restoration may result in nutrient deficiency for plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and groundwater salinity associated with limited rainfall are the challenges for checking salinity build‐up in semi‐arid regions. This field experiment was conducted to test the impact of deficit saline irrigation (DSI) (in winter) with mulching and tillage on salinity build‐up, yield and nutritive value of rainfed‐forage sorghum. Tillage (reduced, conventional and zero), saline water (8.0 dS m−1) irrigation (100%, 80% and 60% of water requirement [WR] in wheat) and mulch were allocated following split factorial layout. DSI with mulching produced at par wheat and sorghum yield compared with 100WR irrigation with harvested rainwater. Mulching improved wheat grain yield and the soil water content by ~13% throughout the cropping season. Forage sorghum yield was increased by DSI and mulching in the previous season compared with irrigation with 100WR saline water. Reduced tillage declined the neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) with an increase in cell soluble constituents. DSI and mulching also increased the digestible nutrient, crude protein (CP), ash and reduced ADF of sorghum. Soil salinity showed a negative correlation with CP, positive correlation with ADF, ADL and cellulose. Therefore, it is recommended that DSI and reduced tillage with mulching can be a reliable option for productive use of saline soils and water by cropping system intensification. These results also showed the potential for achieving 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals as well as targets of land degradation neutrality in salt‐affected soils by savings irrigation, doubling cropping intensity and preventing salinity build‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Kale, Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala, is an important urban crop for human health and may potentially be grown year-round even in a temperate climate. We investigated black plastic and straw mulch compared to bare soil cover in low tunnels at 10 urban garden sites and in low tunnels within a high tunnel in the USA to ascertain the influence on yield and nutrients of Red Russian kale, soil temperature, air temperature, weed pressure, and aphid abundance. Kale had low yield in garden sites, likely because the outside environment was too cold for low tunnels to gain and retain heat. Cultivating kale in a high tunnel resulted in good yields, especially when paired with a low tunnel and plastic or straw mulch, which resulted in the highest air and soil temperatures. The amount of minerals in plants within the high tunnel largely did not vary across combinations of low tunnels and ground covers, except for copper and sulfur, which were lowest in plots with no low tunnel or ground cover. Also, dietary fiber was higher when no low tunnel or ground cover was used compared to plots with a low tunnel and no ground cover. Weeds were suppressed by straw and black plastic mulch, but none of the ground covers influenced aphid abundance. Overall, our work demonstrates that Red Russian kale can be grown in a temperate climate during winter with some combinations of tunnels and ground covers.

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.

As one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops worldwide, chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) face serious pest-related problems when grown in either open or protected cultivation systems. However, studies aimed at understanding the implementation of various integrated pest management (IPM) techniques on chilli production in both cultivation systems are scarce. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing an integrated approach that combines the use of a sweet corn barrier, thiamethoxam, control threshold, silver plastic mulch, pest traps, and fungicides on chilli pests and diseases in open and protected farming systems. Those techniques were applied simultaneously to overcome major chilli pests and diseases that commonly co-occur in the field. The experiment conducted in West Java, Indonesia from May to November 2021 revealed that control techniques could maintain chilli pest population below their control threshold and prevented disease outbreak in both cultivation systems. The average yields of chilli cultivated in the netting house were higher than those cultivated in the open field, i.e. 20.92 t/ha and 9.77 t/ha, respectively. Furthermore, the profitability of chilli cultivation using IPM technologies has been demonstrated in both open and protected fields, with the profit generated in the protected system being 3.9 times higher than that of the open field.

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

Weed management in container plant production is a serious problem and remains one of the most expensive and time-consuming aspects of the industry. Weeds cause severe reductions in crop growth due to the limited growing environment characteristic of container plant production. The container nursery industry relies heavily on a limited number of preemergence herbicide options. The use of herbicides as the primary means to manage weeds has resulted in some negative consequences such as high chemical costs, leaching, runoff, and concerns with recycling irrigation water. Additionally, nursery growers are shifting their focus toward different nonchemical weed management strategies because many ornamental plants are very sensitive to preemergence herbicides. One such method is using organic mulch to control weeds in container plant production. Mulching is the foundation of a nonchemical weed management protocol and acts as the first line of defense against weeds. Organic mulches used in container plant production include rice hulls, pine bark, wood chips, wood shavings, coconut coir, nut (peanut, pecan) shells, oyster shells, cacao bean hulls, pelletized newspaper, recycled newspaper, pine straw, and other materials; material selection often depends on the availability of the product. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of existing research on the utilization of various mulch materials as a weed management tool in container plant production. Additionally, it aims to highlight any critical knowledge gaps and provide suggestions for possible future research.

Expanding agricultural land by using sloping dry land can be detrimental to the environment due to soil erosion and degradation. However, cover crops can be one of the technologies applied to reduce these risks. Arachis pintoi is one of cover crops that can be used as bio mulch on agricultural land. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. pintoi bio mulch on soil nutrient contents and maize plant growth at different slopes. A nested randomized block design was used in the study. Two levels of land used as the main factor and the type of mulch consisting of five levels (without mulch with weeding, without mulch without weeding, silver-black plastic mulch, straw mulch, and A. pintoi bio mulch) were used as the second factor. The results showed that A. pintoi bio mulch significantly increased the P content of the soil and could potentially increase several other macronutrients, especially C-organic, N, and Ca. The use of A. pintoi bio mulch with a cover technique that was left to cover the entire soil surface suppressed the growth and yield of maize plants compared to the control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heracleum mantegazzianum is an invasive environmental weed that is widely distributed in Europe and whose distribution is continually expanding. Novel management methods are required to address its impacts and spread. We studied the use of pyrolysis liquids (PL) as a component of biodegradable mulch and as biobased herbicide to control H. mantegazzianum. A five‐year field experiment was conducted to compare pyrolysis liquid peat mulch (PLM) with plastic PE–mulch, biobased Ökolys® mulch and glyphosate. Application of PL biobased herbicide after stem cutting was studied in a one‐year field experiment. We established that PLM does not control the growth or reproduction of mature H. mantegazzianum effectively in contrast with the other mulching materials and glyphosate. The coverage of H. mantegazzianum differed only in 1 year between application of PLMs and the control. The number of flower stems increased in PLM treatments and in the control, indicating that PLM failed to control reproduction and spread of H. mantegazzianum. PL treatment of cut H. mantegazzianum stems was more effective than application of acetic acid alone. The results suggest that biobased control methods do not provide as effective control of H. mantegazzianum as widely used current methods (plastic mulches and glyphosate). If biobased methods are to be more widely used for controlling H. mantegazzianum, lower control efficacy must be accepted, and they should be used in an integrated approach with other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil plays a vital role in agriculture by providing essential nutrients, water, and support for crop growth. Therefore, the maintenance of healthy soil is imperative for the sustainability of agriculture and the assurance of food security. However, soil quality has been undermined by a range of factors, encompassing adverse environmental conditions, the impact of climate change, and inappropriate human activities. To address these issues, soil conditioners have been used to remedy soil quality. Alginate, a polysaccharide derived from brown algae, emerges as a promising soil conditioner due to its attributes of being biodegradable, non-toxic, cost-effective, easy to handle, and capable of forming gels with ease. When employed as soil conditioners, both alginate and its derivatives have demonstrated the capacity to enhance water retention in soil, augment nutrient availability, improve soil structure, and offer effective mulch films. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the utilization of alginate as a soil conditioner, covering alginate's properties, mechanisms of action, and diverse applications to enhancing soil quality and agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]