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In winter, the paddy residues become wet during morning and late evening due to dew, which restricts the operation of sowing machines (Happy Seeder and Super Seeder) into paddy residues, as wet residues do not slide on furrow openers/tines. A PAU Smart Seeder (PSS) was developed and evaluated for a four-wheel tractor that can sow wheat with optimum crop establishment in combined harvested rice fields. The PSS were evaluated for its performance under varying straw load, forward speed, and rotor speed in terms of fuel consumption, field capacity, seed emergence, and grain yield. The crop establishment and wheat yield of PSS was also compared with the existing straw management machines Happy Seeder (HS) and Super Seeder (SS) under heavy paddy residue conditions. The effect of the straw load was more pronounced on dependent variables than the effect of the speed index. PSS performance was best at a forward speed of 2.6 km h−1, rotor speed of 127.5 rpm, and a straw load of 6 t ha−1. Average fuel consumption using PSS was lower than SS but higher than HS. Wheat emergence was higher by 15.6 and 25.7% on the PSS plots compared to HS and SS, respectively. Average wheat grain yield in PSS plots was significantly higher by 12.7 and 18.9% than SS and HS, respectively in one experiment, while the grain yield was similar for both PSS and HS in other experiments. PSS has a novel mechanism to manage paddy straw and simultaneously sow wheat into a heavy straw load (> 8 t ha−1) mixture of anchored and loose straw. In conclusion, PSS showed promise for in-situ management of rice straw as it eliminates most of the operational problems encountered by the existing seeders (HS and SS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of irrigation water and nutrients poses a serious challenge to the production of pigeonpea in the changing climate. Despite largest producer of pigeonpea, India is still not meeting the domestic pulses requirement. Exploiting the ratoon ability of pigeonpea in rainy and post-rainy seasons would produce higher grains with limited resources in shorter periods due to multiple harvests. Therefore, the present study was conducted to know the resource requirement of ratoon pigeonpea, partial factor productivity (PFP), and water use efficiency (WUE). Two irrigation levels (I1= 0.50 and I2=0.75 Crop Pan Evaporation), three nutrient levels (F1 = 100%, F2 = 75%, and F3 = 50% of recommended dose of fertilizers; 25:50:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha−1) and two mulching levels (M0 = without mulching, and M1 = with mulching) were laid out in split-split plot design at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. Results revealed that a combination (I2F1M1) of a higher level of irrigation (0.75 CPE) and 100% of recommended fertilizer through fertigation with mulching produced higher dry matter accumulation (190.16 g plant−1 at harvest) and nutrients (82.08, 17.37, and 78.35 kg total N, P, and K ha−1, respectively) uptake. Whereas, higher PFP of nutrients (58.12, 29.06, and 58.12 kg grain kg−1 of N, P, and K fertilizer nutrient, respectively) and WUE (21.07 kg ha-cm−1) were observed in higher irrigation with 50% of required fertilizer and mulching (I1F3M1) as a result of higher yield and lesser resources used. Therefore, a concurrent supply of optimum irrigation and mulching could improve the PFP and WUE of ratoon pigeonpea even under reduced fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the era of climate change, sugarcane used to face a problem associated with water shortage due to erratic rainfall patterns and lowered water tables. Improved water use efficiency using innovative crop management strategy is needed for sustainable sugarcane production. Trash mulching with different irrigation regimes can effectively modify the plant's hydrothermal micro-environment for increasing cane yield and water productivity. Methods: Keeping this in the background, a field experiment was conducted at Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa, India, from 2016-17 to 2018-19 to investigate the effects of trash mulching and irrigation regimes on sugarcane productivity, water use efficiency (WUE) and soil properties in different planting systems. The field experiment comprised 12 treatments including four planting methods viz. conventional flat planting (CF; 75cm row spacing) with trash mulching (6 t ha-1), CF planting (75cm row spacing) without trash mulching (6 t ha-1), paired row trench (PT) planting (30: 120cm row spacing) with trash mulching (6 t ha-1), PT planting (30: 120cm rowspacing) without trashmulching (6 t ha-1) and three irrigation schedules consisted of irrigation water (IW); cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) ratio of 0.60, 0.80, and 1.00 was laid out in strip plot design with three replications. Results and discussion: The cane yield (103.5 t ha-1) was found significantly higher in PT planting with trash mulching over the CF planting method with or without mulching. Concerning irrigation regimes using the IW/CPE ratio, it was found that the IW/CPE of 0.6 resulted in 16.9, 13.3% higher water-use efficiency, and 37.1, 40.7% higher water productivity over those under IW/CPE of 0.8, and 1.00, respectively. Furthermore, soil parameters like soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and dehydrogenase activity were increased by 12.5, and 17.5 % due to trashmulching with trench planting as compared to those under conventional flat planting without mulching. The results suggest that planting sugarcane in paired rows and irrigation scheduling at 1.00 IW/CPE with the adoption of trash mulching practices is effective for increasing profitability by way of higher sugarcane productivity and water productivity and also in sustaining soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broccoli is an important cole crop, widely grown in India. The excessive use of inorganic fertilizer, resulting in infertility of soil and chemically toxic agricultural by-products, is one of the most limiting factors affecting the quality production and productivity of the crop. To evaluate the effect of different organic and inorganic nitrogen sources and the application of different mulching materials on productivity and quality aspects of broccoli cv Palam Samridhi, the experiment was conducted for two years during 2021-22 and 2022-23. Among the treatments, the highest plant height (36.12cm), leaf length (22.39cm), leaf width (13.30), stem diameter (2.5), plant spread (1687.60cm²), head weight (367.75g), head yield/ha (254.43q/ha), moisture (91.65%), TSS (8.10°B), head dry matter (12.54%) and protein (3.65%) were recorded in treatment N5M2 (50% Nitrogen with Urea (108kg/ha) along with 50% Nitrogen utilizing Poultry Manure (1.5t/ha) and black polythene mulch) and quality traits such as highest chlorophyll (19.83%) in N3M2 (50% N Urea(108kg/ha)+50% N FYM (10t/ha) + Black Polythene mulch). In contrast, Proline (36.58%) were recorded in treatment N4M1 (50% N Urea (108kg/ha) +50% N Vermicompost (4t/ha) + Paddy Straw mulch), which was found superior overall individual treatments and their combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeonpea is second most important pulse crop grown after chickpea in India. Pigeonpea is versatile crop can be grown in vast agro climatic condition with low input. Although the yield is very less as compare to the potential yield, so we need to increase the yield of pigeonpea using modern techniques such as drip fertigation and mulching. Both these techniques are resource saving and realized maximum yield as compare to conventional practices. Methods: The experiment was laid out in factorial complete randomized block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of two levels of irrigation (0.50 CPE and 0.75 CPE) as one factor and three fertility levels (100% RDF, 75% RDF and 50% RDF) as second factor and two levels of mulching (without mulching and with plastic mulching 25 micron) as third factor. Result: The results revealed that the combination of higher level of irrigation with 100 per cent RDF and with plastic mulching recorded significantly higher seed yield, water productivity and B.C ratio compared to the rest of the treatment combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are important constituents of Indian agriculture and nutritional security of the people. India no doubt has diverse agro-climatic conditions with distinct seasons that are supportive for growing a wide range of vegetables and offers a lot of potential to enhance their production by adopting innovative technologies. Despite largest irrigation network in India, irrigation efficiency is merely 40% and water and nutrient use efficiencies are very low. Also bringing more area under irrigation will largely depend upon the efficient use of water and other resources. In this context, micro irrigation with fertigation especially in vegetable crops has proven a win-win technology in enhancing water and nutrient use efficiencies and in turn higher yield potential thereby achieving the prime objective of 'more crop per drop'. The technology provides precise water control, dissolved fertilizers, application facilities and thus more resilient and cost effective. Moreover, mulching along with drip irrigation and fertigation add feather to this technology by controlling weed population and increasing overall efficiency of the system. Mulching insulates the soil, provides a buffer from cold and hot temperature, reduce deterioration and erosion of soil and also checks water evaporation. This review presents the finding of various researchers involving the influence of drip irrigation, fertigation and mulching on different vegetable crops. It is evident from the studies that drip fertigation practice alone or in combination with mulching offer a huge potential in enhancing crop yields, quality, growth, water and nutrient saving in comparison with other conventional tools of irrigation and fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 with the objective of evaluating the effect of mulching and nutrient management practices on growth, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) at Balindi Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India on clay loam soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatment (T) combinations such as T1- Live mulch (Trifolium alexandrium)+50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [120:60:40 kg/ha N, P2O5 and K2O], T2- Live Mulch+75% RDF, T3- Live Mulch+100% RDF, T4- Straw Mulch (rice straw)+ 50 % RDF, T5- Straw Mulch+75% RDF, T6- Straw Mulch+100% RDF, T7- No Mulch+50% RDF, T8- No Mulch+75% RDF and T9- No Mulch+100 % RDF, replicated thrice. Experimental results revealed that different mulching and nutrient levels exerted significant influence on growth, yield, net return and benefit-cost ratio (B:C). Application of straw mulch+100% RDF (T6) resulted in the highest plant height (164.57 cm), grain yield (5.28 tonnes/ha), stover yield (7.65 tonnes/ha) and B: C (2.16), however, treatment T7 recorded the lowest grain and stover yield. So, the integrated application of straw mulch along with 100% RDF could be recommended for better yield and higher profit of Rabi maize. Integration of organic mulch might be useful for long-term soil health benefits for the nutrient exhaustive maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the crucial variables that affects the growth and yield of the maize crop is soil moisture. Soil mulching and foliar nutrition are significantly impacted by the absence of moisture in the soil, which has a favourable impact on the growth and yield of the crops. With this background, a field experiment was conducted during kharif 2020 at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India to maximize the productivity and profitability of maize by adopting various soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar fertilization. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted of two factors comprising soil moisture conservation techniques viz., sugarcane trash, water hyacinth, hydrogel and control (no mulch plot), and foliar nutrient management practice at both knee high and tasseling stages using 19: 19: 19 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%, PPFM (Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs) 1%, 19: 19: 19 1%+PPFM 1%, DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% and control (no foliar nutrition). Among the soil moisture conservation techniques, the results indicated that mulching with water hyacinth registered significantly higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other techniques. With regards to foliar nutrients, foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (F6) exhibited higher yield parameters, yield and economic returns than other foliar nutrient treatments. Therefore, integration of soil moisture conservation techniques and foliar nutrients, mulching with water hyacinth and foliar application of DAP 1%+MOP 1%+PPFM 1% (M3F6) significantly produced higher yield parameters, yield and economic benefits in maize cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population of India is continuously rising so we have to adopt some means of sustaining our agricultural growth and it can be done through conservation farming. The best way out is the adoption of the age old practice of mulching in our agricultural fields. Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural technique in which the use of organic materials and synthetic materials for the purpose of increasing soil productivity is involved. In rainfed area, judicious use of water is essential for improving crop productivity. Therefore, mulching has been advocated as an effective means for conserving soil moisture. This technique is very useful in protecting the roots of the plants from heat, cold or drought or to keep fruit free from diseases and insect pests. Mulching is an old age technique to conserve soil moisture, checks evaporation, check the weed growth, moderate soil temperature and provide congenial microclimatic conditions for plant growth and development. This technology is a boon for the horticulture crops not only for increasing growth, development, yield but also a method for soil and water conservation. This review paper deals with the various effects of mulching on plants, soil as well as on soil microflora. This technology has brought a great revolution in the agriculture especially for water conservation and proves to be a fastest growing plasticultural technique in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed management is a major constraint in low input organic production systems and necessitates integration of different non-chemical practices for satisfactory weed management. Present field study investigated combinations of cultural and mechanical practices for effective weed management in organic wheat in winter season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Ludhiana in north-west India. The integrated interventions viz; mechanical weeding, straw mulch and soil mulch enhanced wheat grain yield by 3448% than unweeded check. Manual weedings recorded the significantly highest wheat grain yield than all other treatments Among other weed management practices, sowing wheat on raised beds (broad bed; 4 rows/bed) integrated with two mechanical weedings (both on beds and in furrow) at 30 and 45 days after sowing, had the lowest weed density and dry biomass and it provided the highest wheat grain yield (3.54-3.73 t/ha) and highest economic returns. It was at statistically at par with wheat sown on beds (2 rows/bed) and mechanical weeding done on bed and in furrows at 30 and 45 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation and straw mulching are aligned with sustainable agriculture as they enhance soil health, preserve water resources, and improve crop production. Understanding their combined impact, especially in subtropical rice-potato cropping system, is crucial. This study delves into the economic feasibility and impact on soil fertility when adopting drip irrigation and straw mulching. Field experiments demonstrated that using rice straw as mulch significantly increased nutrient availability, with available nitrogen (N) increasing by 15% to 17%, available phosphorus (P) by 13% to 14%, and available potassium (K) by 31% to 33% compared to non-mulched conditions. Furthermore, compared to conventional irrigation, drip irrigation treatments resulted in significantly higher soil available N, with increases ranging from 6 to 8% during the potato tuber initiation stage. Economic analysis showed that despite initial investment costs, adopting drip irrigation with straw mulch resulted in higher net returns. Rice-potato system with drip irrigation and straw mulch had a higher benefit–cost ratio, although it had a slighter shift in payback period than conventional practice. The research highlights sustainable intensification in rice-potato systems, suggesting strategic techniques for productivity and resource conservation to farmers and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal crops are more nutrient and moisture-dependent than other crops. Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world's most popular cereal crop for daily consumption and India's third-largest grain crop after rice and wheat. Maize is susceptible to fertilizer treatments particularly nitrogen, and moisture. Maize requires a huge amount of nitrogen fertilizer, as well as a lot of moisture in the soil for better growth and production. In view of the above findings, a field trial was conducted in sandy loam soil at Centurion University of Technology and Management's Bagusala Research Farm in Gajapati, Odisha during rabi season of 2021-22 to analyze the effect of mulching and nitrogen on maize growth and productivity in the rabi season. A split-plot design with three replications was used for the research in which three levels of straw mulching (no mulching, straw mulching @ 2.5 t/ha and @ 5 t/ha) as main plots and four levels of nitrogen [75, 100, 125 and 150% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)] as the sub plots were included. The research findings indicated that the application of straw mulching @ 5 t/ha and 150% RDN recorded the best growth parameters and yield attributes and yield among all other combinations of mulching and nitrogen levels. The application of straw mulching @ 5t/ha and 150% RDN resulted maximum grain yield (7.26 t/ha) and stover yield (9.11 t/ha) with a conclusion that straw mulching along with nitrogen fertilizer play a vital role in boosting the growth and productivity of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field studies were conducted during the middle of November to end of February for the season of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 respectively in the red lateritic soil of Bahadurpur village of Bolpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India which lies between 23°39'47.69" N latitude and 87°37'36.91" E longitude with an average altitude of 58.9 m above the mean sea level under sub-humid semiarid region of West Bengal, Eastern India to evaluate the performance of different types of non-woven jute agro-textile mulches (NJATM) in comparison to other mulches on soil temperature, soil moisture, soil physical properties and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.). The highest pooled yield (8.50 t ha-1) of broccoli was recorded in 350 gsm NJATM treatment. Minimum temperature fluctuation (1-3oC) was observed in case non-woven jute agro textile mulches and it was lowest in 350 gsm NJATM treatment followed by 400 gsm NJATM. In case of soil physical properties, the maximum mean value of hydraulic conductivity (0.54 cm hr-1) was observed in 400 gsm NJATM. However, the lowest pooled Bulk Density was recorded in 400 gsm NJATM treatment (1.37 g cm-3) which was, however, statistically at par with 350 gsm NJATM treatment (1.38 g cm-3). The soil moisture was conserved in all treatments compared to control showing highest moisture content in 400 gsm NJATM treatment. Organic carbon content of soil was increased in all mulch treated plots compared to control, and their initial value and their highest value (0.64%) was recorded in 350 gsm NJATM treatment The NJATM of 350 gsm thickness was very effective compared to other mulches as a result of the soil management practices and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiments were conducted during July to October, 2017, 2018 and 2019 in split plot design was laid out at Zonal Research Station farm, Chianki, Palamu, Jharkhand, India. The cultural practices included two factors i.e. the first factor included conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), raised bed sowing (RBS), the second factor included without mulch (WM), farm waste mulch (FWM), polythene mulch (PM), soil mulch (SM). The rain water use efficiency was higher in raised bed sowing+polythene mulch (5.71 kg ha-1 mm-1) than the other treatments but it was lowest in MT+WM (2.96 kg ha-1 mm-1) over the three years. The high water use efficiency in the year 2019 (5.71 kg ha-1 mm-1) influences the maximum growth and yield (5,169 kg ha-1)of the crop followed by 2018 (4.74 kg ha-1 mm-1) but the minimum yield was found under minimum tillage without mulch in every year. This higher growth leads to higher stover yield and plastic mulch prevents the weeding cost which finally improved the B:C ratio (1.97) by reducing cost of cultivation and improving net return. In conclusion, minimum tillage without mulch is not recommended under dryland condition but raise bed sowing with plastic mulch is a suitable practice among all practices. This shows that raised bed practice prevent the maize crop from excess water condition and plastic mulching is helpful in increasing water use efficiency, controlling weed and maintaining temperature near root zone but no mulch condition degrade the fertile layer of soil by erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are a major problem in potato production. Two years of trials were conducted to study the efficacy of herbicides and integrated use of mulch with herbicides in controlling weeds and for improving the growth and yield of autumn potato crop at Ludhiana, north-west India, during autumn 2016 and 2017. Each trial had a randomized complete block design with three replicates. There were 11 treatments including weed-free and weedy controls. Uncontrolled weeds caused a yield reduction of 49.7%. Metribuzin at 350 g/ha pre-emergence resulted in 82.4% weed control efficiency at 30 days after planting but this control was reduced to 23.9% at harvest. In contrast, metribuzin at 350 g/ha applied post-emergence controlled broadleaf weeds and grasses very effectively. Clodinafop at 60 g/ha post-emergence resulted in control of grasses only. The post-emergence application of pre-mix clodinafop plus metribuzin at 260 g/ha provided effective weed control and resulted in more tuber yield and economic returns and was significantly better than an application solely of metribuzin or clodinafop. The integrated weed control treatment of paddy straw mulch (PSM) at 6 t/ha with clodinafop plus metribuzin at 195 g/ha post-emergence resulted in the highest tuber yield with weed control efficiency of 95.3% at harvest. The next best one was an integrated treatment of PSM at 6 t/ha with metribuzin at 275 g/ha pre-emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of irrigation methods and mulching in seed production of chickpea. Irrigation methods included drip with mulch (DM), drip without mulch (DNM) and check basin (CB) irrigation. Drip irrigation was scheduled at 1-day, 2-day and 7 days interval, while farmers' practice of check basin irrigation at 7-day interval was considered as control. Plant parameters like height, horizontal spread, dry matter, root length and root spread and number of pods were significantly influenced by irrigation levels and mulch. Seed yield of 17.7 and 16.8 q/ha was recorded for DM having 1-day and 2-day interval, respectively, which was about 82 and 73% higher over the control. The harvest index increased with increasing irrigation interval and was highest (57.4) under treatments with longer irrigation interval (DM7, DNM7 and CB7). Drip irrigation at 1-day and 2-day interval recorded the water productivities of 0.54 and 0.52 kg/m³, respectively as against 0.30 kg/m³ recorded in farmers practice. Polythene mulch with drip irrigation at 2-day irrigation interval is recommended for improving the yields and water productivity of chickpea cultivated under eastern plateau and hill region of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality characteristics are poorly understood after cultivating oil palm (OP) under irrigated conditions. OP grown under irrigated ecosystem on tropical soils is supplied with huge quantities of water and nutrients without considering changes in soil quality parameters. This may lead to the degradation of fertile lands. To understand the changes that take place in soil properties due to different management practices, data from 132 fixed points have been collected in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh in India, from 13‐year‐old plantations and for ca 6 years after imposing mulching and improved resource management interventions. Improvement in soil organic carbon (SOC) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC) available N, P, K, Mg and B contents were recorded due to mulching and improved management. In a monocrop stand of oil palm, mulching alone could enhance SOC content by 52% at 13 years after planting, whereas the corresponding improvement in an intercrop stand (with cocoa) was 77%, above its conventional cultivation SOC without mulching. Mulching in combination with improved management could enhance the SOC content by 40 and 56% respectively after 6 years in sole and intercrop stands respectively, over their corresponding levels at 13 years, in the top 0–30 cm layer. Conventional cultivation of OP recorded a reduction of SOC by 4% during the same time‐span of 6 years. Similar trend was observed in soil available nutrients also. The partial least squares (PLS)‐path model confirmed that sustainable production of oil palm is possible through mulching and improved management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetable crops in India. It is quite popular amongst small and medium-scale commercial farmers due to high net returns. In India, weeds are the major limiting factor affecting the productivity. Based on this, a field experiment was carried out during three consecutive seasons during 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Agriculture Experimental Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Paria, Gujarat, India to evaluate the effect of weed control in tomato through mulching and herbicides under drip irrigation conditions. Treatments included different types of color plastic mulch, paddy straw mulch, two pre and postemergence herbicides, weed free and unwedded control. The results showed that significant difference was observed among all the tested treatments in the terms of weed population, plant height, fruits per plant, and yield. Least dry weight of weeds was recorded in the plots treated with black polythene mulch 50µ (125.7 g/m²) followed by red polythene mulch and weed free treatment (134.8 g/m²). Whereas maximum dry weight of weed was observed in unwedded plot (201.3g/m²). Black polythene mulch (50µ) and weed free treatment gave least number of species wise weed count (monocot, dicot and sedges). The maximum plant height, number of fruits per plant and yield was recorded in the black plastic mulch (69.0 cm, 70.52,4.45 kg/plant) followed by silver polythene mulch (66.28 cm, 67.74 number of fruits/plant and 4.28 kg/plant). Thus, black plastic mulch 50µ to be most effective in terms of weed suppression and yield enhancement of tomato crop and must be encouraged for weed management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is the most important leguminous crop raised as pulse as well as a vegetable crop in India. The slow initial growth and wider spacing necessitate weed control in the early stages of crop growth. The critical period of crop weed competition in cowpea was 20 to 30 DAS. Season-long crop weed competition resulted in a yield reduction of 40 to 90 per cent in cowpea depending on the intensity of weed infestation, weed flora, season, location, and the climatic condition prevailed. Mulching, manual weeding and stale seedbed are the different cultural methods which can be adopted for weed control in cowpea. Chemical method of weed control is the cheapest and economically viable option for weed control in cowpea. Both Pre-emergence herbicides viz., pendimethalin, diclosulam and imazethapyr and post-emergence herbicides viz., imazethapyr, quizalofop-p-ethyl can be used for weed control in cowpea. Studies revealed that pre-emergence application of herbicide (imazethapyr/pendimethalin or diclosulam) followed by manual weeding or post-emergence application of herbicides (quizalofop -p-ethyl or imazethapyr) or mulching followed by post-emergence application of herbicides (quizalofop-p-ethyl or imazethapyr) were found to be more effective for the broad-spectrum weed control in cowpea. The integrated approach of weed control has resulted in a higher yield, net returns and B: C ratio in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• β-Glucosidase, cellulose and phenol oxidase identified as key soil quality indicators. • Maximum tillering is an optimum growth stage of wheat for soil sampling. • Wheat yield increased significantly in puddled transplanted rice plus green manure and zero tillage with residue retention compared to residue removal. Soil quality degradation in the last four decades is threatening the sustainability of puddled transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) – wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (RW) system in north-western region of India. Hence comprehensive information on the influence of soil and crop management practices in intensive and nutrient exhausting RW system on soil quality is urgently needed. The present study evaluated the effects of crop residues, green manure and tillage on the changes in soil biochemical properties at different growth stages of wheat after five cycles of RW system. Four main plot treatments in rice included combinations of wheat straw and Sesbania green manure management: (1) PTR WS0, puddled transplanted rice (PTR) with no wheat straw (2) PTR WS25 , puddled transplanted rice with 25% anchored wheat stubbles retained (3) PTR WS0 plus green manure (GM), and (4) PTR WS25 plus GM. Three sub-plots treatments in subsequent wheat included (1) CTW RS0 , conventional tillage wheat without rice straw (2) ZTW RS0 , zero tillage wheat without rice straw and (3) ZTW RS100 , ZTW with 100% rice straw retained as surface mulch. The results showed that PTR WS25 plus GM and ZTW RS100 increased significantly all the soil biochemical properties (enzyme activities and glomalin related soil protein concentration) except phenol oxidase and peroxidase activities. The activities of dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and concentration of easily extractable glomalin and total carbohydrate carbon under ZTW RS100 were 36.8, 24.6, 25.9 and 23.3% higher than CTW RS0. Application of GM and wheat straw retention in previous rice significantly increased grain yield of subsequent wheat crop by 26.5%. The majority of the increases in biochemical properties were higher at vegetative growth (at 40–45 days after sowing) and flowering (at 80–85 days after sowing) stages compared to the initial and at maturity. Principal component analysis identified β-glucosidase, cellulase and phenol oxidase activities as the most sensitive and reliable indicators for assessing soil quality for conservation agriculture based RW system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India for two consecutive years (2015–16 and 2016–17). The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis whether different shade level and mulch type would influence the growth, flower yield and essential oil profile of R. damascena. Yield attributes viz., numbers of flowers plant-1, fresh flower weight plant-1, flower yield, and essential oil yield were significantly higher under open sunny conditions as compared to 25% and 50% shade levels. However, plants grown under 50% shade level recorded significantly higher plant height (cm), plant spread (cm) and the lowest numbers of branches as compared to control. Among mulches, black polyethylene mulch recorded significantly higher growth, and yield attributes of damask rose as compared to other mulches. Black polyethylene mulch recorded 74.5 and 39.2% higher fresh flower yield as compared to without mulch, during 2015–16 and 2016–17, respectively. Correlation studies showed a positively significant correlation between quality and quantity traits. A total of twenty-six essential oil compounds were identified which accounted for a total of 88.8 to 95.3%. Plants grown under open sunny conditions along with the applications of black polyethylene mulch produced a higher concentration of citronellol and trans-geraniol. Damask rose planted in open sunny conditions and mulched with black polyethylene sheet recorded significantly higher flower yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The return of ladies finger (okra) to the joint effect of drip irrigation and mulches is very encouraging. The most common types of mulch are the black plastic mulch (BPM), which is commercially produced by industry but does create environmental problems and increased cost of production particularly for small and marginal farmers. On the other hand, food materials and fertilizers etc. are available and sold in plastic bags. Can we make REUSE of these plastic bags in preparing low cost mulching system for small and marginal farmers? With this in view a field experiment was carried out during the year 2017 at Department of Soil and Water Engineering, Swami Vivekanand College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology & Research Station, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The research experiment was performed in a split plot design on clay loam soil during summer season (February to May) for growing okra. Levels of irrigation were assigned based on crop evapotranspiration (ET c). The effect of four irrigation levels viz. 60% ET c , 80% ET c , 100% ET c and 120% ET c with drip under black plastic mulch (BPM) and different types used plastic material as mulch viz. used reddish rice bag mulch (RBM), used whitish wheat flour bag mulch (WFBM), used white fertilizer bag mulch (FBM) were studied for moderating the temperature, moisture conservation, weed restriction, yield, water use efficiency and cost economics also. Temperature measurement was done with Digital Soil Thermometer at a depth of 7.6 cm and 12 cm at 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It reflects that used plastic mulches are moderating the temperature at par as BPM. Soil moisture measurement was done with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) at 7.6 and 12 cm. Average moisture content under BPM, WFBM, RBM and FBM at 7.6 cm was found to be 27.5%, 25.5%, 26.5% and 26.4% respectively, while it was found to be 23.8%, 21.8%, 22.7% and 22.4% respectively at 12 cm depth. Maximum weed population control (96%) was recorded with BPM followed by used RBM (82%), used FBM (80%) and used WFBM (76%) respectively. The benefit cost ratio was also worked out and found to be higher (2.09) under 120% ET c with BPM as compared to 120% ET c with used RBM (1.86), 120% ET c with used WFBM (1.82) and 80% ET c with used WFBM (1.81). Highest Crop Water Use Efficiency (42.38 kg ha−1 mm−1) was found at 60% ET c with BPM as compared to 80% ET c with BPM (36.72 kg ha−1 mm−1), 80% ET c with used BPM (34.17 kg ha−1 mm−1) and 80% ET c with used WFBM (31.58 kg ha−1 mm−1). From the point of view of initial investment and water saving the 80% ET c with used WFBM is a better choice for small and marginal farmer as the return (1.81) is also closer to the other treatments. Highlights • Cost of mulching is often a constraint for small and marginal farmers. • Reuse of different used plastic bags coming out from packaged food materials. • Utilization of waste as low cost mulching for small and marginal farmers. • Reuse of wheat flour bag as mulch can be an alternative to black plastic mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop yields are limited by water, temperature and nutrient availability. Soil mulching (with plastic or straw) reduces evaporation, modifies soil temperature and thereby affects crop yields. Reported effects of mulching are sometimes contradictory, likely due to differences in climatic conditions, soil characteristics, crop species, and also water and nutrient input. Two years field experiment was established at Himachal Pradesh, India under twelve treatment combinations of mulch and nutrient level were practised in a randomized block design. Four types of mulches (i.e., black plastic mulch-BP, grass mulch-GM, pine needle mulch-PN, and unmulched control-UM) and three levels of nutrients (i.e., 125% of recommended dose of NPK- N1, 100% recommended dose of NPK -N2 and 75% of recommended dose of NPK- N3) were replicated thrice. Results of two years data revealed that all mulches maintained comparatively higher in situ soil moisture and black plastic mulch conserved the highest moisture content which was 21.3% as compared to unmulched in 0-15 cm soil depth. Mulches favorably moderated the soil temperature where black plastic mulch recorded the highest temperature at 7:30 hrs and 14:30 hrs during both the years at 15 cm depth. Grass and pine needles mulches reduced the soil bulk density and improved the soil organic carbon over unmulched control. Availability of SO42- -S and Ca were improved under mulch, nutrient levels alone and their combinations when compared to unmulched control and 75% NPK nutrient levels. Mulching along with different levels of NPK nutrients improved the growth attributes, increased the productivity and uptake of secondary nutrients of cauliflower. Black plastic mulch in combination with 125% of recommended dose of NPK obtained the highest curd yield (26.7 t/ha) which well reflected to more favourable economics as compared to other treatment combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil solarization is a non-chemical method for eliminating crop-threatening weeds and selectively decontaminating soil. The effect of various soil solarization with black, silver, transparent polythene sheet and straw as mulching on the microbial count and weed growth was studied experimentally. The farm investigation comprised six soil solarization treatments: mulching with black, silver, and transparent polyethylene sheets of 25 μm (μ), organic mulch (soybean Straw), weed-free, and control. All six treatments were repeated in four sets in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) plot size of 5.4 m × 4.8 m. Black, silver, and transparent polythene mulches significantly reduced fungal count compared to non-solarized soil. Straw mulch significantly increased soil fungal count. Solarized treatments had much lower bacterial populations than straw mulch, weed-free, and control treatments. Black, silver, straw mulch, and transparent polythene had 18746, 22763, 23999, and 3048 weeds ha−1 at 45 days after transplanting (DAT). The analysis of dry weed weight demonstrated a significantly low weed dry weight of 0.44 t/ha for black polythene (T 1) based soil solarization, representing an 86.66% reduction in dry weed biomass. Soil solarization had the lowest weed index (WI), with black polythene mulch (T 1) reducing weed competition. Among various soil solarization treatments, black polythene (T 1) showed the highest weed control efficiency of 85.84%, indicating its suitability for use in weed control. The results suggest that soil solarization is effective for soil disinfestation and weed control with polyethene mulch and summer heat in central India. [Display omitted] • Soil solarization with black, silver, transparent polythene, and soyabean straw mulch on microbial count and weed growth. • Black polythene mulch sheet (T1) reduced bacteria by 48.78%, whereas control (T6) had the most fungus. • Mean total weed count ha−1 increased from 15 DAT (16281) to 45 DAT (24770). • Weed dry weight was highest in the control (3.02 t/ha−1). • Weed-free (T5) had the highest weed control efficacy (92.82%), followed by black polythene (T1) with 85.84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern era, nutraceutical properties of horticultural crops are indispensable to determine their adaptability to different agro-ecological regions. The present study exploits the potential of mulches (P: plastic mulch; S: straw mulch; N: No mulch) in relation to drip irrigation (I1: 100%, I2: 80%, I3: 60% of crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), and fertigation (F1: 100%, F2: 80%, F3: 60% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF): 125 kg N, 62.5 Kg P2O5, 62.5 kg K2O per ha) on Pak choi at three maturity stages in the North West region of India. Plant fresh weight was the highest at 55 days after transplanting (DAT); however, maximum soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values were registered at 45 DAT. Antioxidant activity, FRAP, DPPH, phenols, flavanols, total sugars, ascorbic acid, free amino acids, and irrigation water use efficiency were observed significantly higher in plants grown on plastic mulch at different levels of irrigation and fertigation. It is envisioned that Pak choi plants had the highest nutritional value at 45 DAT from plots mulched with silver-black, irrigated at 80% Etc, and fertigated at 100% RDF. The nutrient enriched plants are used for green salad and as ingredients for the preparation of many recipes in the semi-arid and sub-tropic areas of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of tillage and mulch on weed growth, soil moisture storage, productivity and profitability of upland rice during 2012-2013 at Lembucherra, India. Tillage treatments included CT-RI: conventional tillage with 100% residue incorporation and NT-RR: no-till with 100% residue retention. Mulches included rice straw (SM), Gliricidia (GM), brown manuring (BM) and none (NM). CT-RI registered the highest total weed density (89-168 weeds m−2) and biomass (9.6-183 g dry weight m−2) than those for the NT-RR (75-161 weed m−2 and 8-155 g dry weight m−2). In addition, NT-RR stored (122-172 mm) more soil moisture (0-40 cm soil depth) in comparison with that for the CT-RI treatment (110-161 mm) during crop growing season. Tillage treatments did not have the significant effect on yields. NT-RR reduced the cost of cultivation by 31.5% compared with that for the CT-RI. Thus, the net returns under NT-RR were more than those for the CT-RI. The BM recorded the lowest weed biomass and density as compared to that under other mulches. Therefore, cultivation of upland rice using NT along with BM mulching enhanced productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five year field study was conducted during 2010-14 to investigate the combined effects of residue mulching, irrigation and land configuration on Bt cotton yield and water productivity (WP) in texturally variable soils. The treatments included three irrigation levels viz., I1, I2 and I3 based on net cumulative pan evaporation in main and combinations of two mulching (0 and 6 t ha-1 rice straw) and two land configurations (flat-sowing, and bed-sowing in paired rows) treatments in sub plots. Seed cotton yield was significantly greater on sandy loam than on loamy sand. Residue mulching improved seed cotton yield by 35% on sandy loam and 52% on loamy sand. Cotton response to irrigation regimes was significant up to I2 as compared to I1 during 2010 and 2011 on loamy sand soil. In sandy loam soil during 2013, seed cotton yield increased up to I1 while during 2014, it was observed up to I2 irrigation regime. Interaction effects showed that mulching along with I3 irrigation yielded more than I1 without mulch. Bed-furrow configuration and mulching achieved higher WP in both soils during all the cropping seasons. Beneficial effects of mulching and bed-furrow planting on seed cotton yield, WP and irrigation saving are attributed to its effect on moderation of soil temperature, reduction in soil water evaporation, mechanical impedance and weed infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women play significant role in agriculture and animal husbandry. World over today, women are engaged at different level of agriculture . In Indian agriculture women play significant role in all agriculture activities like sowing, weeding, manure and fertilization application, harvesting, drying as well as livestock management like shed cleaning fodder cutting, mulching e.t.c During the year 2014, survey was conducted at Rampurdas village of Kotwali block district Bijnor in which 100 farm women were selected. On the basis of survey it was found that 90.2% farm women participated in transplantation, 90.1% in harvesting, 88.4% in grain storage and 87% in livestock management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted in a semiarid region of Punjab state, northwest India, for 2 years to evaluate an efficient irrigation schedule for guava under mulch and no-mulch conditions. The experiment involved the effect of mulching and three irrigation threshold values [I1 (−20 kPa); I2 (−40 kPa); and I3 (−60 kPa)] on guava plants under drip irrigation and fertigation. Soil matric potential, irrigation amount, soil water content, and fertilizer (N, P, and K) content were measured, and seasonal crop evapotranspiration as well as water and fertilizer use efficiency were computed regularly during the growing period of the crop. The calibrated two dimensional (2D)/threedimensional (3D) model was used to simulate soil matric potential, and water and fertilizer movement in the soil under guava trees for mulch and no-mulch conditions. Simulated water movement, soil matric potential, and N, P, and K movement statistically matched those measured using the tensiometers, soil water probes, and soil sampling techniques. Results show that for mulch plants, if no irrigation was applied for a period extending to 6–7 days, i.e., for I3 (−60 kPa), irrigation treatment and dry periods without rainfall, the soil matric potential was lower for mulch plants than for no-mulch plants. Statistical measures [root mean square error (RMSE), average absolute error (AAE), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), correlation coefficient (r2), and model efficiency (EF)] indicate a close correspondence between measured and simulated values. The modeling efficiency (EF) and the root-mean square error (RMSE) for soil matric potential varied from 0.80 to 0.95 and 4.07 to 8.35 kPa, respectively, and for fertilizer movement from 0.61 to 0.87 and 0.0094 to 1.78 mg=cm−1, respectively. A water and mass balance was performed using commercially available software to estimate the water and fertilizer (N, P, and K) performances and relate these with amount of water and fertilizer applied. Modeling also revealed that lower leaching losses was for −40 kPa soil matric potential. The amount and frequency of irrigation application at this soil matric potential perfectly suited the growth of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was carried out at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh (India) during kharif 'season 2013 to study the Effect of mulching and planting geometry on seed production in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. The planting geometry consists of row layouts and plant layouts. The treatment combinations comprised of four different mulches viz., no mulch, black-plastic mulch, silver-black plastic mulch (upper side of mulch is silver while lower side is black and crop residue mulch, three row layouts with constant population of 37037 plants ha-1 were recommended single row 60 x 45 cm² (single rows 60 cm apart and plants within rows are 45 cm apart, double row (75+45)x45 cm², 75 cm between two double rows, 45 cm within two double rows and plants within rows are 45 cm apart, and double row (90+30) x 45 cm² (90 cm between two double rows, 30 cm within two double rows and plants within rows are 45 cm apart, and two plant layouts viz., rectangle/square, and triangle. The treatment combination of silver-black plastic mulch, double row (75+45) x 45 cm² and triangle method of planting was found superior over all other treatments in terms of growth characters, fruit and seed yield characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depletion and/or degradation of natural resources, increasing farm labour scarcity, and high production cost are major threats to the rice-wheat cropping system of north-west India. Conservation agriculture (CA) is a potential solution which can be achieved by switching from puddling then transplanting of rice to dry seeding (DSR), together with changing from conventional tillage (CT) to zero tillage (ZT) for wheat with surface retention of rice residues. Whether the use of ZT for both crops confers additional benefits to either crop is not known. The effects of surface retention of rice residues in wheat on the subsequent DSR crop are also unknown, nor how this is affected by tillage for DSR. Therefore, a field study was conducted during 2012-14 to investigate the interactions between tillage for rice and wheat (CT, ZT), and rice residue management (removed, retained on the soil surface), on the performance of a dry seeded rice-wheat system. There were no significant interaction or main treatment effects on wheat grain yield in the first two years, but in the third year, yield of ZT wheat (5.5 t ha −1 ) was significantly lower than yield of CT wheat (6.0 t ha −1 ). Yield of wheat decreased significantly over the three years, for example from 7.7 to 6.3 to 5.8 t ha −1 in the control system (CT for both crops, no rice straw mulch). Weather data analysis and simulation modelling suggested that this was entirely due to differences in seasonal weather conditions. Growth of non-mulched ZT wheat was inferior to that of mulched ZT wheat, and that of CT wheat with and without mulch, regardless of tillage for rice, although this was not reflected in wheat grain yield. Mulch delayed wheat crop development and the time of irrigation to varying degrees depending on seasonal conditions, and reduced irrigation amount by 50–100 mm in two of the three years. Tillage and rice residue management treatments did not affect the yield of DSR in the first year (mean yield 6.0 t ha −1 ). However, in the second year, growth and grain yield of ZTDSR (3.2 t ha −1 ) were inferior to that of CTDSR (3.8 t ha −1 ), regardless of tillage treatment for wheat. There was a consistent trend for poorer growth of DSR following wheat mulched with rice straw (significant in the first year), suggesting the need to examine the possibility of allelopathic effects of surface rice straw retention in dry seeded rice-wheat systems. There was a decline in rice growth and grain yield over the two years in all treatments. For example, yield of rice in the control declined from 5.9 t ha −1 in 2012 to 4.3 t ha −1 in 2013. Seasonal conditions and simulated growth and yield were similar each year; the poorer observed rice growth and yield in 2013 were due to disease during grain filling, greater weed infestation during the early vegetative stage, and unexplained factors during the middle of the season. Total system rice equivalent yield (REY) was not affected by tillage or mulch treatments nor their interactions in 2012 (mean REY 13.3 t ha −1 ), but was significantly lower in systems with ZTDSR (9.4 t ha −1 ) than CTDSR (10.0 t ha −1 ) in 2013. Treatment effects on irrigation input to rice and the total system were small. The net result was no treatment effects on total cropping system irrigation water productivity (WPi) in 2012 (mean 0.83 kg m −3 ), and significantly higher system WPi in 2013 in systems with CTDSR (0.69 kg m −3 ) than ZTDSR (0.63 kg m −3 ). The results suggest that in a dry seeded rice-wheat cropping system, surface retention of rice residues can improve the growth of ZT wheat right from the first crop, although this did not affect yield in the first three years. However, whether there is an adverse carry over effect of the rice residues on DSR requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to compute the water use and productivity of turmeric as a function of straw mulching and irrigation scheduling at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during 2013 and 2014. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, keeping mulch levels (no mulch and straw mulch 6 t/ha) and irrigation methods (drip and check basin) in main plots and irrigation schedules at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 irrigation water/cumulative pan evaporation (IW/CPE) in subplots. Turmeric yield was 125.2 % higher with mulching than no mulch with 50 % saving in irrigation water. Drip irrigation resulted in significantly higher turmeric yield and benefit/cost (B/C) than check basin. Irrigation scheduling at 1.2 IW/CPE recorded significantly higher turmeric yield than other schedules. Drip irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE resulted in statistically at par yield with check basin irrigation at 1.2 IW/CPE, thus saving 40 % irrigation water with significantly higher B/C. However, turmeric yield was at par between drip irrigation at 1.2 and 1.0 IW/CPE schedule, while a significant reduction in yield was recorded in check basin at 1.0 IW/CPE compared to 1.2 IW/CPE. Turmeric should be irrigated with drip at 1.0 and with check basin at 1.2 IW/CPE to realize potential yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize cultivation for green cobs during the spring season is a remunerative proposition for the farmers in the north Indian plains. However, high evapo-transpiration demand of spring maize exerts considerable pressure on already depleting water resources. Thus, a two-year field experiment was conducted at GBPUA & T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India to determine the effect of rice residue mulch, earthing-up, alternate furrow irrigation and crop establishment methods on productivity, profitability and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) of spring maize. Results revealed that application of rice straw mulch (6 t/ha) enhanced plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index and yield attributes. Reproductive stage set in advance in mulch treated plots compared to plots under other treatments. Green cob yield from mulched plot was the highest that was 37 % higher over the flat planting alone. Broad bed planting and flat planting followed by earthing-up treatments produced the second and third highest cob yield, respectively. Planting on broad bed registered the highest IWUE (352.5 kg/ha-cm). Mulch treatment also earned higher net returns and B : C ratio than remaining treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry farming is cultivation of crops in regions with annual rainfall less than 750 mm. Dry land farming techniques includes Water conservation, increase Water absorption, reducing the loss of soil moisture, bunding and terracing, contour bunding, mulching, intercropping, precision agriculture, use of drip irrigation facilities and use of growth regulators and chemicals. Choice of varieties is important. Varieties which have proven excellent in irrigated areas are generally unsuited for dry land conditions. Many attempts at dry land farming have failed, largely due to lack of recognition of the requirements for the variety selection. Variety requirements for dry farming are short-stemmed varieties with limited leaf surface minimize transpiration, deep, prolific root systems enhance moisture utilization and quick-maturing varieties are important in order that the crop may develop prior to the hottest and driest part of the year and mature before moisture supplies are completely exhausted. Even after utilizing all the available water resources, about 50% of the cultivable area will still depends on rains. Therefore, the agricultural scientists, policy makers and farmers should appropriately realize the magnitude of role that rainfed agriculture or dryland farming can play. Vegetable cultivation under rainfed condition is not much popular while comparing to other systems of cultivation. However, it solves the problem of rural poverty and malnutrition. Therefore, much concentration should be given for dry land rainfed vegetable farming by efficient adoption of techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state Himachal Pradesh in Western Himalaya was explored to know the community structure of earthworms in agroecosystems along the elevation gradient ranges from 300 to 2500 m above sea level. The study aimed to determine the influence of climate, soil variables and the cropping pattern on species diversity and abundance. Therefore, a total of six land-use types including three crop land, and three orchards (Apple, Pear and Mango) were studied at low (300-500 m), middle (500–1500 m) and high (1500-2500 m) elevations. The results indicate that the earthworm community varies with the cropping intensity, with a greater species richness observed in the traditional cropping system including organic input vegetable field than in the cereal crop field having a high input of chemical fertilizers and using more up-to-date heavy and deep ploughing machines. The number of species significantly increased with the increasing elevation, reaching a peak at the middle but decreasing with the further elevation. The Metric-multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis showed the highest similarity of 61% between sites of high elevation, 49% between the sites of low elevation, and 21% similarity between sites of middle and high elevations based on the density of earthworm. The Canonical correspondence analysis showed the significant positive (rainfall, soil moisture, and organic carbon) and negative (pH) relationship with earthworm density. It supports the role of physicochemical parameters in determining the earthworm community along the elevations. Except mango orchard, all sites were predominated by exotic peregrine earthworm species, which is a matter of concern for invasion and impact on the native species. While it is true that anthropogenically influenced ecosystems are more prone to invasion by alien species, further research is required in the adjacent forests to compare the impact of land-use changes on earthworm communities. • The earthworm species richness peaking at middle elevation. • Significant positive correlations were observed with soil and climatic parameters. • Mulching, irrigation, and manuring promote earthworm diversity in cultivation. • Exotic peregrine species predominate in human-managed ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station , Bikaner during Kharif seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Squash Melon (Tinda) crop under rainfed conditions to evaluate four treatments of Farm Yard Manure viz.,0,20,30 and 40 t ha-1 and three treatment of mulching viz., no mulch, straw mulch and plastic mulch. Experiment was conducted in split - plot design with three replications using the Tinda cv. Selection 1. Vine length, numbers of fruits per plant and yield of squash melon (Tinda) crop were significantly influenced by FYM, mulching and their interaction during both the years of experiment. Application of FYM recorded significant improvement in yield up to 30 t ha-1. Averaged across mulching, the yield with application of FYM @ 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1 had 43.3, 83.9 and 87.4 % higher yield compared to control. Application of mulch brought significant improvement in yield and its component. The straw mulch recorded highest vine length, numbers of fruits per plant and yield. Plastic and straw mulch had 24.80 and 42.25 % higher yield than no-mulch. The response of mulch varied with level of FYM application. The highest yield was recorded with application of 40 FYM t ha-1 combined with straw mulch, however the difference between FYM 30 t ha-1 and 40 t ha-1 was non-significant under both straw and plastic mulching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimal nutrient prescription along with favorable water management through mulching is key to high horticultural productivity, efficient water use, and minimizing soil nutrient loss. A field experiment was conducted in the Balindi Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India, to evaluate the impact of mulching and balanced fertilization on actual evapotranspiration (ETa), crop coefficients (Kc), yield and yield attributes of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. cv. Green Express) during the winter seasons of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 in the cabbage-fallow upland system under surface irrigated conditions. The experiment was laid out in a factorial strip plot design where no mulch (M1), live mulch [M2, Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)], and paddy straw mulch (M3) were in strips with cabbage. Each treatment contained nutrient levels of 75% (N1), 100% (N2), and 125% (N3) of the recommended dose of an NPK fertilizer (RDF) with 200 N:100 P 2 O 5 :100 K 2 O. Higher soil water conservation under M3 incited 60% and 46% lower profile water change than M1 and M2 treatments, respectively. Paddy straw mulch produced 10.1% and 22.3% more yield and achieved 29.5% and 15.1% higher water productivity (WP) as compared to M1 and M2, respectively. Treatment N3 produced the highest yield and the least partial factor productivity of fertilizer (PFP f) compared to N2 and N1 treatments. Maximum ETa loss was from the M1N3 treatment (226.30 mm) and the highest yield (25,695 kg ha−1), yield attributes, and WP (120.1 kg ha−1 mm−1) were obtained from the M3N3 combination. The average estimated Kc values were 0.5 for initial, 1.0 for crop development, and 1.2 for mid-season, and 0.6 for maturity stages. The results suggest that the application of straw mulch with 125% RDF of chemical fertilizer under surface irrigated conditions improved cabbage yield, water productivity and soil fertility, however, living mulch achieved a higher economic return to the Indo-Gangetic alluvial clay loam Inceptisol of India. • Soil moisture storage under different mulched materials (straw and living) were different. • No mulch obtained higher ETa of cabbage irrespective of nutrient doses. • Higher doses of NPK and paddy straw produced higher yield and water use efficiency. • Nutrient management and mulch in finer soils affected soil moisture-nutrient retention and release. • Crop coefficients obtained from field water balance are comparable to FAO-56 due to soil and climatic variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, strawberry performs equally well in climates that are characteristically temperate in the northern latitudes, sub-tropical in the plains, or tropical at high altitude. In spite of attractive fruits and pleasing flavor, strawberry cultivation is still in its infancy in India primarily because of its perishable nature. Recently, some business houses have set up a number of pilot projects for large-scale strawberry production. Farmers in the sub-tropics in the vicinity of an urban center, such as New Delhi, have profitably cultivated strawberries during the winter months using plant material propagated in the hill states of India. Strawberry growers in the hills, thus, have a two-pronged earning potential from strawberry cultivation. Comparison of cultivars and economics of strawberry cultivation is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in the red and lateritic loamy sand soil of Birbhum, West Bengal, India during winter season of 2004-05 and 2005-06 to assess the response of rainfed niger [ Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.] to mulching and row spacing. The results revealed that black polythene mulched plots gave on an average 530 kg ha-1 seed yield that was 5.1, 12.8 and 16.4% higher as compared to rice straw, soil dust and no mulching plots, respectively. Row spacing of 30 cm showed better performance and recorded 6.2% and 11.3% in 2004-05 and 7.1% and 14.6% in 2005-06 higher seed yield as compared to 25 cm and 20 cm row spacing, respectively. Water use efficiency was highest under black polythene mulched treatment and niger crop grown at a row spacing of 30 cm. Highest net return and B:C ratio was recorded under control treatment and niger crop grown at 30 cm row spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With increasing interest in retaining crop residues on the soil surface, there is a need to evaluate their short- and long-term effects on crop yield and water and fertilizer requirements. Therefore, research on the interactions between residue and irrigation management on wheat crop performance and water use was initiated, using the dual approach of field experiments and crop modelling. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation of the APSIM model for its ability to simulate the effects of mulch and water management, and their interactions, for wheat in Punjab, India. The model was evaluated for its ability to predict crop development, grain yield, biomass production over time, soil water dynamics, daily soil evaporation (Es), total evapotranspiration (ET) and water productivity (WPET kgha−1 mm−1), using two years of data from field experiments at Ludhiana, Punjab. The model predicted grain yield adequately, with coefficients of determination (r 2) of 0.91 and 0.81 with and without mulch, respectively, and prediction of total biomass was even better, with r 2 of 0.99 and 0.92. The corresponding absolute RMSE values were 433 and 550kgha−1 for grain yield (means 4100 and 3800kg ha−1) and 300 and 800kgha−1 for total biomass (means 10,200 and 9300kgha−1). However, grain yield was underpredicted (by 600–1000kgha−1) in treatments where the crop was subjected to water deficit stress, even though simulation of soil water dynamics, and the effect mulch on soil water content, was generally very good. The model accurately predicted total crop seasonal evaporation and the effect of mulch; however, daily Es was poorly simulated. APSIM does not attempt to capture the soil temperature driven effect of mulch on crop phenology. The evaluation shows that APSIM is suitable to use for wheat under the conditions of north-west India. However, additional model processes that capture the effects of mulch on crop development and growth, as driven by soil temperature, are needed to help design intensive cropping systems to optimise land and water productivity. The ability to better simulate crop performance under conditions of water deficit is also needed to help determine irrigation management strategies that minimise irrigation input while maintaining yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mulching is highly beneficial for resource conservation under rainfed conditions, but non-availability of organic biomass and easy availability of fertilizers and herbicides has led to a gradual discontinuation of this practice. Various vegetative materials, including some troublesome weedy perennials, are available locally, which can be recycled for enhanced soil moisture and nutrient conservation. A field experiment was conducted at Dehradun, India, from 2001-2004 to study the effect of mulching with kudzu (Peuraria hirsuta), wild sage (Lantana camara), and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) applied at 30 and 60 days of growth of maize (Zea mays), maize harvest, and sowing of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Application of 10 t/ha (fresh biomass) added 1.6-2.3 t dry matter through Peuraria, 2.5-3.2 t through Lantana, and 2.9-3.9 t/ha through Leuceana, which contributed 47.7-60.9 kg N, 58.4-70.9 kg N, and 118.4-148.4 kg N/ha, respectively. All mulching materials were beneficial and improved productivity of maize significantly by 16.6-20.6% over no mulching. Wheat yield also increased because of mulching in previous maize (+11.2%), and the beneficial effect was relatively greater (12.4-25.1%) when mulching was done at maize harvest or wheat sowing. Mulching showed improvement in organic C and total N status, and a decrease in bulk density associated with an increase in infiltration rate across three cropping cycles. Wheat gave three to five times more net profit than maize, and the net benefit-cost ratio of the system was the highest (1.34-1.35) when mulching was done at 60 days of maize growth with Peuraria and Leucaena. It was concluded that mulching with available vegetative materials in standing crop of maize or after harvest was beneficial for improving moisture conservation, productivity, and profitability of a maize-wheat cropping system under Doon valley conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Depleting groundwater resources in Indian Punjab call for diversifying from rice to crops with low evapo-transpiration needs and adopting water-saving technologies. Soybean offers a diversification option in coarse- to medium-textured soils. However, its productivity in these soils is constrained by high soil mechanical resistance and high soil temperature during early part of the growing season. These constraints can be alleviated through irrigation, deep tillage and straw mulching. This 3-years field study examines the individual and combined effects of irrigation, deep tillage, and straw mulching regimes on soybean yield and water productivity (WP) in relation to soil texture. Combinations of two irrigation regimes viz., full irrigation (I f), and partial irrigation (I p) in the main plot; two tillage regimes viz., conventional-till (CT)-soil stirring to 0.10m depth, and deep tillage (DT)-chiseling down to 0.35m depth followed by CT in the subplot; and two mulch rates viz., 0 (M 0) and 6tha−1 (M) in the sub-subplot on two soils differing in available water capacity were evaluated. Seed yield was greater in the sandy loam than in the loamy sand reflecting the effects of available water capacity. Irrigation effects were greater on loamy sand (40%) than on sandy loam (5%) soil. Deep tillage benefits were also more on loamy sand (14%) compared to sandy loam (5%) soil. Yield gains with mulching were comparable on the two soils (19%). An evaluation of interaction effects showed that mulching response was slightly more in I p (20%) than in I f regimes (17%) in the sandy loam; while in the loamy sand, mulching gains were comparable (18-19%) in both irrigation regimes. Benefits of deep tillage in the loamy sand soil were more in I p (20%) than in I f regimes (17%). Deep tillage and straw mulching enhanced WP (ratio of seed yield/water use) from 1.39 to 1.97kgha−1 mm−1 in I p regime, and from 1.87 to 2.33kgha−1 mm−1 in I f regime in the loamy sand soil. These effects on WP were less in the sandy loam soil with greater available water capacity. Yield and WP gains are ascribed to deeper and denser rooting due to moderation of soil temperature and water conservation with straw mulching and tillage-induced reduction in soil mechanical resistance. Root mass in CTM0, CTM, DTM0 and DTM was 2.79, 5.88, 5.34 and 5.58mgcm−2 at pod-filling in the loamy sand soil. Comparable yield responses to deep tillage or mulching in the loamy sand soil suggest that either of the options, depending on their cost and availability considerations, can be employed for improving soybean yield and water productivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Different tillage systems (conventional, minimum, raised bed and no tillage) and four mulch levels (control, polythene, straw and soil) were compared in maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) production for three years on an experimental field (sandy loam) located at Dry Land Research Sub Station, Dhiansar, Jammu. Each treatment was replicated four times in split plot design. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of tillage and mulch practices on economics, energy requirement, soil physical properties and performance of maize and wheat. Tillage methods significantly affected the soil physical properties as change in soil moisture contents and infiltration rate of soil was recorded. The soil moisture contents in minimum tillage (MT) were maximum (12.4%, 16.6%) in surface soil as compared to conventional tillage (CT) in maize and wheat crops, respectively. Comparing to the CT infiltration rate was (1.16times, 1.21times and 1.11times) higher in minimum tillage (MT), no tillage (NT) and raised bed (RB), respectively in kharif season. Similar results were also found in rabi season. The greatest maize yield of 1865kgha−1 was achieved with CT system while not significantly lower yield was achieved with MT system (1837kgha−1). However, wheat yield was recorded higher in MT as compare to the CT system. Comparing to the energy requirement of different operations, MT required 34.3% less, NT 31.1% less and RB 46.0% less than the CT system. MT system saved 2.5 times energy in tillage operation compared to the CT system. The economic analysis also revealed that the maximum benefits could be obtained from MT (EUR 202.4ha−1) followed by RB (EUR 164.2ha−1) and NT (EUR 158.3ha−1) and lowest in CT (EUR 149.5ha−1). Benefit-cost ratio was highest in MT (0.71) and lowest in CT (0.44). Results revealed that mulch significantly affected the soil physical properties and growth of maize. The maximum soil moisture content, infiltration rate and grain yield of maize and wheat recorded higher in mulching practices over no mulch treatment. Polythene mulch and straw mulch were almost equally valuable in maize and wheat sequence. Tillage (minimum) and mulch (polythene and straw) have pronounced effect on soil physical properties (improved infiltration rate and conserve soil water), energy requirement, economics and growth of maize and wheat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the rainfed crop fields of the Central Himalayan Mountains in India, low soil moisture and low soil fertility are the two major constraints on crop yield. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis of whether mixing a high-quality (high foliar N, P, and K and low lignin) organic residue (Lantana camara leaves) with the relatively low-quality leaf litter of oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests, and then mulching the organic residue, would enhance the rate of organic residue decomposition and nutrient release to contribute to the soil fertility and crop yield of wheat and paddy in rainfed crop fields. To achieve the study objectives, Lantana residue was mixed with oak and pine leaf litter in four different proportions and applied under three tillage frequencies in 36 experimental plots in a completely randomized block design. These four mulch combinations were also studied for dry matter decomposition and nutrient release pattern. Results showed that both the decomposition rate (k = 1.86 yr-1) and rate of nutrient release from decomposing litter (N = 0.208 mg d -1 and P = 0.042 mg d -1) for Lantana residue were much higher than the other litter combinations. Mixing Lantana with other mulch materials positively influenced the decomposition and nutrient release of otherwise slow decomposing oak and pine leaf litter. The 100% Lantana mulched plots recorded substantially higher soil moisture among the four mulching treatments. The 100% Lantana mulched plots also recorded significantly higher soil nutrients (NO3+-N and PO4--P under wheat and NH4+-N under rice crops) and rate of N-mineralization, and produced significantly higher wheat grain (920 to 1309 kg ha-1) and wheat and rice straw yield than the conventional practice of crop cultivation. Lantana residue thus proved to be a potential mulch to achieve soil moisture conservation, soil fertility enhancement, and higher crop yields in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mulching is one of the important agronomic practices in conserving the soil moisture and modifying the soil physical environment. Wheat, the second most important cereal crop in India, is sensitive to soil moisture stress. Field experiments were conducted during winter seasons of 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 in a sandy loam soil to evaluate the soil and plant water status in wheat under synthetic (transparent and black polyethylene) and organic (rice husk) mulches with limited irrigation and compared with adequate irrigation with no mulch (conventional practices by the farmers). Though all the mulch treatments improved the soil moisture status, rice husk was found to be superior in maintaining optimum soil moisture condition for crop use. The residual soil moisture was also minimum, indicating effective utilization of moisture by the crop under RH. The plant water status, as evaluated by relative water content and leaf water potential were favourable under RH. Specific leaf weight, root length density and dry biomass were also greater in this treatment. Optimum soil and canopy thermal environment of wheat with limited fluctuations were observed under RH, even during dry periods. This produced comparable yield with less water use, enhancing the water use efficiency. Therefore, it may be concluded that under limited irrigation condition, RH mulching will be beneficial for wheat as it is able to maintain better soil and plant water status, leading to higher grain yield and enhanced water use efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Experiments were conducted over 2 years during the dry season of 2002 (June-September) and wet season of 2002-2003 (December-March) at Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vridhachalam, India, to study the influence of two colors of polyethylene film mulch (black and white polyethylene film mulch), herbicides (Fluchloralin at 1.0 kg/ha and no herbicide application), and three plant geometries [30×10 cm, 20×20 cm (two seeds/hill), and 20×15 cm] on soil properties, growth, and yield of groundnut. Results indicated that the soil physical properties such as rate of water loss/day was highest with white polyethylene film mulch, the hydraulic conductivity of the soil was significantly more with black polyethylene film mulch, and soil bulk density and percentage of pore space did not differ between the two colors of polyethylene films. The rate of water loss was highest with plots with no herbicide, whereas the hydraulic conductivity of the soil was more with herbicide-applied treatments. However, the bulk density and pore space did not differ significantly. The plant geometry did not have any significant influence on any of the soil physical properties. With regard to soil microorganisms, the bacterial and fungal population was significantly higher in black polyethylene film mulch at all the three stages of observation, whereas no significant difference between the colors of polyethylene film mulch was observed for actinomycetes at all the stages of observations. Interestingly, no variation in the population of soil microflora was observed between the herbicide and no-herbicide treatments. The soil-available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), at harvest, was significantly higher with white polyethylene film mulch, whereas crop NPK uptake was higher with black polyethylene film mulch. The soil-available NPK and crop uptake was higher with herbicide application. The evolution of carbon dioxide (CO2; soil respiration) was significantly influenced by polyethylene film mulch and herbicides, and the evolution of CO2 was altered by the plant geometry. The crop dry-matter production, pegging percentage, pod setting ratio number of matured pods/plant, and pod yield were significantly higher under black polyethylene mulch. Herbicide application significantly improved the majority of the growth and yield attributes and significantly higher pod yield was obtained with herbicide application. However, most of the yield and growth attributes and pod yield were not significantly influenced by the different plant geometries studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Potato, being a temperate crop, its growth and tuber production are limited by high atmospheric temperatures (mean temperature >17°C). As a result potato is grown in winter season only (November–March) in the eastern plain of India when temperature is favourable. But during winter season, rainfall is erratic and meagre, therefore, potato crop in the region can only be grown with supplemental irrigation. In this study, potato crop was grown with four phenology based irrigation treatments (75mm water depth with each irrigation) with three replications. Straw mulch at a rate of 6tha−1 was applied during the first earthing up in half of the plots to observe the variation of plant growth, water use efficiency and tuber production between mulched and non-mulched plots. The experimental split-plot design consisted of irrigation treatments in the main plots with mulching and non-mulching as subplots. Two years of pooled data with four irrigations resulted in air-dry tuber yields of 14.9 and 11.2tha−1 for the mulched and non-mulched plots, respectively. Significantly (p <0.05) higher leaf area index, water use efficiency and intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) were recorded in the mulched plots compared to the non-mulched plots under the same irrigation treatment. Higher yield and better crop growth were observed in the mulched plots, which might be due to conservation of soil moisture and reduction of soil temperature by 4–6°C. The highest PAR (89% of the PAR incident above the crop canopy) was found near the crop with mulching and four irrigations. The 77–103mm less depleted soil moisture in the different treatments was due to the application of straw mulch. Application of straw mulch significantly increased the available phosphorus and potassium in the soil. Water use efficiency and tuber productions differed significantly among irrigation treatments in the non-mulched plots but they did not in the mulched plots with three and four irrigations. Therefore, three irrigations of 75mm each and mulching were recommended for growing potato in the region when limited water was available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The submontaneous tract of Punjab comprising 10% of the state, is prone to soil erosion by water. Soils of the area are coarse in texture, low in organic matter and poor in fertility. High intensity rains during the monsoon season result in fertile topsoil removal. There is an urgent need to control soil erosion in this region so as to improve soil productivity. A field study was conducted to estimate the effect of tillage and different modes of mulch application on soil erosion losses. Treatments comprised two levels of tillage, viz. minimum (T m) and conventional (T c) in the main plots and five modes of straw mulch application, viz. mulch spread over whole plot (M w), mulch spread on lower one-third of plot (M 1/3), mulch applied in strips (M s), vertical mulching (M v) and unmulched control (M o), in subplots in a replicated split plot design. Rate of mulch application was 6tha−1 in all modes. Compared with M o, M w reduced runoff by 33%. Runoff and soil loss were 5 and 40% higher under T c than under T m. Though other modes of straw mulch application (M 1/3, M s and M v) controlled soil loss better than M o, their effectiveness was less than M w. T m was more effective in conserving soil moisture than T c. Compared with M o, M w had 3–7% higher soil moisture content in the 0–30cm soil depth under T m. Minimum soil temperature of the surface layer was 1.4–2.4°C lower under M w than under M o. Straw mulching reduced maximum soil temperature and helped in conserving soil moisture. Minimum tillage coupled with M w was highly effective in reducing soil erosion losses, decreasing soil temperature and increasing moisture content by providing maximum surface cover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]