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Balanced plant nutrition and optimal micro-climate are critical for achieving higher production sustainably. Substituting mineral fertilizers with organic amendments under water-conserving strategies like mulch can enhance the quality and yield and improve soil health. Therefore, a two-year study was conducted to examine the synergistic effects of mulch and reducing inorganic fertilizers and partially substituting organic amendments on essential oil (EO) yield and its composition, and soil properties in Salvia sclarea, an industrially important crop. Two mulching practices (M1: without mulch; M2: with mulch) and five nitrogen (N) management practices [N1: control; N2: 100% recommended dose of N i.e.,120 kg/ha; N3: 25% N through chemical fertilizer (CF) + 75% N through farm yard manure (FYM); N4: 50% N through CF + 50% N through FYM, N5: 75% N through CF + 25% N through FYM] were taken as experimental treatments, with a total of ten treatment combinations in a split-plot design during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The results showed that applying mulch increased the plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and EO yield. Among N management practices, N2 outperformed for all the morpho-physiological and yield parameters studied except stem diameter and produced at par outcomes with N5 in case of flower spike per plant, LAI, chlorophyll a and b, flower spike yield, EO content and yield. Optimum soil temperature and moisture under mulching modulate the nutrient concentration; similarly, N being necessary for photosynthesis, translocation of nutrients, enzymatic activity, and vegetative and reproductive growth, synergistically enhanced the EO yield and altered the composition. The heat map displayed an inconsistent pattern of the treatment combination's impact on EO components. In soil properties, treatment N5 recorded highest value of available N at 0–0.15 m soil depth; however, at 0.15–0.30 m, N2 registered a higher value and produced at par results with N5. In case of potassium and soil organic carbon, T3 recorded higher value, followed by T4 and T5 at 0–0.15 m. Considering the soil health and without compromising the EO yield much, the present study suggested replacing 25% of recommended chemical N with organic manures under mulch for sustainable and economical production of S. sclarea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are highly sensitive to the type of tillage practices used, as these practices influence soil properties and affect crops, the environment, and society. However, research on cassava production under different tillage systems during drought conditions in the Peruvian Amazon has not been reported. The objective of this study was to compare soil properties, cassava physiology, and yield under conservation agriculture (CA) and traditional agriculture (TA) practices, with and without mulch, in a water-scarce environment. Soil moisture, earthworm population (Ew), stomatal conductance, leaf area index, and commercial yield under CA were 5.26% (~105.2 m3 ha−1), 83%, 1.2 times, 1.14 times, and 7.3 t ha−1, respectively, higher than under TA. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks) in TA was 2.1 times higher than that in CA. However, Ks, bulk density, and Ew over time showed a gradual recovery under CA. The mulch factor only affected Ew, which was higher without mulch than with mulch. The results indicate that CA practices were superior to TA practices, improving soil properties, cassava physiology, and yield, and, therefore, offer significant benefits in resource conservation and higher production and profitability in a drought-prone environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionIn contemporary agriculture, the monoculture system of cereal crops is prevalent. Legumes are the most important plant family for crop rotation and sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen fixing capabilities. Rainfed agricultural ecosystems are the largest food-producing biomes globally, with water scarcity and fluctuating rainfall being the most significant limiting factors for crop production. The growing demand for freshwater resources will increase the agricultural sector's vulnerability under future climate conditions, restricting production. Kermanshah province, where 78.4% of the land is arid, faces unique weather conditions and is particularly affected by drought stress. In rainfed farming systems, a suitable solution to conserve water at the farm scale is to create a suitable planting bed. The most common method of seed bed preparation among farmers is the normal flat planting method. The flat planting method, which is easy to prepare, is associated with a series of basic problems, such as reducing the efficiency of water use, reducing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use, reducing plant establishment, and the soil capping. Preparing the planting bed by changing the physical conditions of the seed bed, i.e. the thermal, humidity, ventilation and resistance characteristics of the soil, can affect the seedling emergence and the growth of the plant. By creating a ridge and furrow bed and nylon mulch, the soil moisture can be saved for different stages of plant growth. Materials and MethodsThe current research was carried out in the research Farm, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University during the cropping years of 2019 and 2020 as a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The treatments included nylon mulch (without nylon, nylon on the plant and nylon on the soil) and the method of planting in the bed (flat planting, planting in a 50 cm furrow, planting in a 100 cm furrow). The dimensions of each of the exfaimental plots were 2 m x 2m. In each plot, there were four rows of cultivation at a distance of half a meter, and the distance between the plants on each row was 10 cm. The distance between the exfaimental plots was one and a half meters. The traits studied included nitrogen use efficiency, leaf specific weight, leaf area index, stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, number of leaves fa plant, plant height, dry weight of broadleaf weed, dry weight of narrow leaf weed, crude protein of green seed, and leaf greenness index. After Bartlett's test, the results showed that the dry weight of broad-leaved weeds, the dry weight of narrow-leaved weeds, seed protein and leaf greenness can be analyzed as a combined analysis of variance over two years, and the rest of the traits can be analyzed separately in each year. The data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.1 and the mean of the treatments were compared with the LSD method at a probability level of 5%. Results and DiscussionAccording to the results of analysis of variance fa year, plant height, number of leaves fa plant, leaf area index, specific leaf weight and nitrogen consumption efficiency (first year) and specific weight leaf (second year) were affected by the double interaction of nylon and planting bed. The combined analysis of variance showed that broadleaf weed dry weight and leaf greenness were affected by the triple interaction effect of year, nylon and planting bed. According to the mean comparison results (first year), the highest and lowest leaf area index values were obtained in the treatment of nylon on the plant with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.82) and treatment without nylon with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.26), respectively. The highest and lowest efficiency of nitrogen use were related to the treatment of nylon on soil with planting in a 50 cm furrow (152 kg.kg-1) and treatment of without nylon and flat planting (81 kg.kg-1), respectively. According to the comparison of the mean of the combined analysis of variance, the highest dry weight of broadleaf weeds was obtained in the treatment of the first year, nylon on the plant and flat planting (489 kg.ha-1), and the lowest in the treatment of the first year, nylon on soil and planting in a 100 cm furrow (71 kg.ha-1). ConclusionsIn this study, the plastic cover on the soil had the highest nitrogen use efficiency and the lowest weed growth due to weed suppresion. These two factors are acceptable reasons for increasing the growth under treatment of plastic cover on the soil. In line with the report of various studies, the treatment of planting in the 50 cm furrow floor reduced the drought stress and increased the growth of the plant by affecting the available water, and this drought stress reduction was more evident in the second year due to the low amount of rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of wool as mulch in strawberry cultivation was analysed to find a solution for the rational use of wool from mountain sheep. In the plantation, the experimental plots mulched with wool, straw, and bark were appointed. The plots were monitored during the experiment, while the soil temperature and moisture content were measured. The data collected in two-hour intervals were analysed, taking into account air temperature and falls registered in the local meteorological station. Additionally, the progress of mulch biodegradation was tracked. The changes in the wool morphology that occurred by biodegradation were observed during microscopic examinations using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was stated that wool mulch plays an essential role in thermoregulation of the soil surface, prevents the overheating of the soil during the summer heat, and protects soil against excessive cooling during cold nights. The wool mulch minimizes the fluctuations between the soil's day and night temperature. The fluctuations do not exceed 2–3 degrees on hot summer days, which are five times smaller than for the control plot. The wool retains large amounts of rainwater several times its weight. The water is then slowly released, providing the growing plants with a moist environment during a longer rainless period. Moreover, wool is difficult to biodegrade and maintains its properties for a long time, lasting longer than one vegetation season. Compared to straw and bark, the temperature fluctuations recorded for wool are two times smaller, and its effectiveness in water management is considerably better. The beneficial impact of the wool mulch ensuring favourable conditions for strawberry growth was explained by the specific wool structure and its unique properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the allelopathic effects of mulch and aqueous extracts of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw and on growth of 8-weeds: Phalaris minor L., Cynodon dactylon L., Chenopodium album L., Rumex denticulate L., Anagalis arvensis L., Melilotus spp L., Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Cyperus rotundus (L.) was analyzed. Rice straw mulch at 4.0 t/ha and rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray significantly reduced these weeds density (Number/m2) (54, 55, 66, 79, 85, 73, 54 and 39 during 2020-21) respectively, than control. Rice straw mulch 4 t/ha followed by (metsulfuron methyl 4 g a.i./ha + clodinafop propargyl 60 g a.i./ha) and clodinafop propargyl 75 % of 60 g a.i./ha + rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray significantly reduced the density of test weeds. Density of grass weeds decreased in zero-till, but broad leaved weeds decreases in conventional tillage. Wheat growth (dry matter accumulation: g/plant), number of tillers per m, leaf area index (LAI) and yield) significantly increased by rice straw mulch at 4 t/ha followed by rice aqueous solution (10 g/L) spray than control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates for the first time the impact of a novel sprayable, biodegradable polyester-urethane-urea (PEUU) mulch on the microbial community composition of an agricultural soil. In this study changes to the composition of the soil microbial community and in soil enzyme activity involved in nutrient cycling were monitored on tomato plants grown under controlled greenhouse conditions. Particular attention was given to impacts on the relative changes in abundance of soil microbes. The PEUU mulch reduced the abundance of a small number of soil microbe taxa, but also provided an environment in which some taxa, which were comparatively rare in initial and unmulched soils, thrived. Importantly, the relative abundances of Azospirillum, Noviherbaspirillum, Exophiala, Phoma, Chaetomium and Clonostachys species all increased in soils treated with PEUU mulch. Principal coordinates analysis revealed the microbial community composition on PEUU films alone and in PEUU treated soil were most similar, while the PEUU films' microbial community differed the most from the initial soil's microbial community. These results indicate that from an agricultural productivity and an environmental safety standpoint the use of PEUU mulch may be preferable to PE and could provide additional plant growth benefits by increasing the abundance of soil microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Balanced plant nutrition and optimal micro-climate are critical for achieving higher production sustainably. Substituting mineral fertilizers with organic amendments under water-conserving strategies like mulch can enhance the quality and yield and improve soil health. Therefore, a two-year study was conducted to examine the synergistic effects of mulch and reducing inorganic fertilizers and partially substituting organic amendments on essential oil (EO) yield and its composition, and soil properties in Salvia sclarea, an industrially important crop. Two mulching practices (M1: without mulch; M2: with mulch) and five nitrogen (N) management practices [N1: control; N2: 100% recommended dose of N i.e.,120 kg/ha; N3: 25% N through chemical fertilizer (CF) + 75% N through farm yard manure (FYM); N4: 50% N through CF + 50% N through FYM, N5: 75% N through CF + 25% N through FYM] were taken as experimental treatments, with a total of ten treatment combinations in a split-plot design during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The results showed that applying mulch increased the plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and EO yield. Among N management practices, N2 outperformed for all the morpho-physiological and yield parameters studied except stem diameter and produced at par outcomes with N5 in case of flower spike per plant, LAI, chlorophyll a and b, flower spike yield, EO content and yield. Optimum soil temperature and moisture under mulching modulate the nutrient concentration; similarly, N being necessary for photosynthesis, translocation of nutrients, enzymatic activity, and vegetative and reproductive growth, synergistically enhanced the EO yield and altered the composition. The heat map displayed an inconsistent pattern of the treatment combination’s impact on EO components. In soil properties, treatment N5 recorded highest value of available N at 0–0.15 m soil depth; however, at 0.15–0.30 m, N2 registered a higher value and produced at par results with N5. In case of potassium and soil organic carbon, T3 recorded higher value, followed by T4 and T5 at 0–0.15 m. Considering the soil health and without compromising the EO yield much, the present study suggested replacing 25% of recommended chemical N with organic manures under mulch for sustainable and economical production of S. sclarea.

IntroductionIn contemporary agriculture, the monoculture system of cereal crops is prevalent. Legumes are the most important plant family for crop rotation and sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen fixing capabilities. Rainfed agricultural ecosystems are the largest food-producing biomes globally, with water scarcity and fluctuating rainfall being the most significant limiting factors for crop production. The growing demand for freshwater resources will increase the agricultural sector's vulnerability under future climate conditions, restricting production. Kermanshah province, where 78.4% of the land is arid, faces unique weather conditions and is particularly affected by drought stress. In rainfed farming systems, a suitable solution to conserve water at the farm scale is to create a suitable planting bed. The most common method of seed bed preparation among farmers is the normal flat planting method. The flat planting method, which is easy to prepare, is associated with a series of basic problems, such as reducing the efficiency of water use, reducing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use, reducing plant establishment, and the soil capping. Preparing the planting bed by changing the physical conditions of the seed bed, i.e. the thermal, humidity, ventilation and resistance characteristics of the soil, can affect the seedling emergence and the growth of the plant. By creating a ridge and furrow bed and nylon mulch, the soil moisture can be saved for different stages of plant growth. Materials and MethodsThe current research was carried out in the research Farm, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University during the cropping years of 2019 and 2020 as a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The treatments included nylon mulch (without nylon, nylon on the plant and nylon on the soil) and the method of planting in the bed (flat planting, planting in a 50 cm furrow, planting in a 100 cm furrow). The dimensions of each of the experimental plots were 2 m x 2m. In each plot, there were four rows of cultivation at a distance of half a meter, and the distance between the plants on each row was 10 cm. The distance between the experimental plots was one and a half meters. The traits studied included nitrogen use efficiency, leaf specific weight, leaf area index, stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, number of leaves per plant, plant height, dry weight of broadleaf weed, dry weight of narrow leaf weed, crude protein of green seed, and leaf greenness index. After Bartlett's test, the results showed that the dry weight of broad-leaved weeds, the dry weight of narrow-leaved weeds, seed protein and leaf greenness can be analyzed as a combined analysis of variance over two years, and the rest of the traits can be analyzed separately in each year. The data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.1 and the mean of the treatments were compared with the LSD method at a probability level of 5%. Results and DiscussionAccording to the results of analysis of variance per year, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, specific leaf weight and nitrogen consumption efficiency (first year) and specific weight leaf (second year) were affected by the double interaction of nylon and planting bed. The combined analysis of variance showed that broadleaf weed dry weight and leaf greenness were affected by the triple interaction effect of year, nylon and planting bed. According to the mean comparison results (first year), the highest and lowest leaf area index values were obtained in the treatment of nylon on the plant with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.82) and treatment without nylon with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.26), respectively. The highest and lowest efficiency of nitrogen use were related to the treatment of nylon on soil with planting in a 50 cm furrow (152 kg.kg-1) and treatment of without nylon and flat planting (81 kg.kg-1), respectively. According to the comparison of the mean of the combined analysis of variance, the highest dry weight of broadleaf weeds was obtained in the treatment of the first year, nylon on the plant and flat planting (489 kg.ha-1), and the lowest in the treatment of the first year, nylon on soil and planting in a 100 cm furrow (71 kg.ha-1). ConclusionsIn this study, the plastic cover on the soil had the highest nitrogen use efficiency and the lowest weed growth due to weed suppresion. These two factors are acceptable reasons for increasing the growth under treatment of plastic cover on the soil. In line with the report of various studies, the treatment of planting in the 50 cm furrow floor reduced the drought stress and increased the growth of the plant by affecting the available water, and this drought stress reduction was more evident in the second year due to the low amount of rainfall.

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.

Excessive use of plastic mulches has triggered a series of environmental problems, primarily due to the large volumes generated and their low or non-existent degradability. For this reason, materials with similar characteristics to synthetic mulches but with a biodegradable character were sought. In this work, mulch films were produced from gelatin/glycerol/cellulose (GelC) and chitosan/glycerol/cellulose (ChiC). Their biodegradation time in soil and photographic analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were determined. The GelC sample presented a weight loss of 80% at 25 days, compared to 58% for the ChiC sample in the same exposure time. However, the latter was the only sample that could be evaluated up to 70 days, during which it presented its greatest weight loss (97%). The SEM results for both mulch films showed some color changes after 30 days; complete fracturing, growth of mycelium on the surface, and the presence of pores were observed. FTIR spectra revealed a decrease in hydroxyl groups, amides, and carbonyl bands as the number of degradation days increased. Obtaining polymers from waste materials, such as mango, represents an important task to obtain cellulose that can both reinforce and provide biodegradable properties to biobased materials, which can be degraded by microorganisms present in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Theobroma cacao (cocoa) in the Dominican Republic is one of the main export items, registering a sustained growth in the last five years. There are more than 36,000 producers in the country, indirectly benefiting more than 300 thousand people. The country has great potential for cocoa production, but due to the lack of fertilization of the plantations combined with the lack of information on the contribution of nutrients from the mineralization of biomass in the production systems, low yields are presented. The study was carried out in the Duarte province in the period from July 2016 to June 2017, with the objective of quantifying the biomass production in four agroforestry systems: cocoa in monoculture (C), cocoa plus Erythrina spp (C+ Am), cocoa plus Persea americana (C+Ag), and cocoa plus citrus (C+Ci). A multifactorial experimental design 4x15x12 was used: with four agroforestry systems, in fifteen locations and twelve sampling dates, where each farm was considered as a replicate. Four pipe and sack mesh traps were installed per farm, with an area of 1 m2. The average biomass by location and date was analyzed by analysis of variance and Duncan test (P = 0.05 %). The highest average biomass production was obtained in C + Am with 49.3 T ha-1 year-1 (41.08 % of the total). It was followed by system C with 27.02 T ha-1 year-1, C + Ag with 22.2 T ha-1 year-1 and C + Ci with 17.2 T ha-1 year-1. The annual net production was 120 T ha-1 year-1, of which 115.2 T ha-1 year-1 was attributable to the species under study, and 4.2 T ha-1 year-1 to other species. The values demonstrate a high biomass production in agroforestry systems associated with cocoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of polyethylene film in farmland mainly relies on residual film recycling machinery. However, there is a lack of detailed reports on the characteristics of agricultural residual film recycling machinery and guidance direction for further optimization. This article conducted a detailed literature review, first introducing the hazards of pollution. Then, the operational principles of residual film mechanized recycling equipment were explained from three aspects. Finally, the research direction of residual film pollution control equipment is clarified: it is urgent to reduce the impurity content in residual film and facilitate the resource utilization. [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]

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 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]

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.

Research experiment was carried out at the Biotechnology Advanced Research Centre Farm, Garki-Abuja from June 2023 - February 2024 to examine the performance of mulch materials and mulching rates on Margina Local variety of turmeric. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three times. Data were collected on plant height per plant (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length (cm), number of rhizome, rhizome length (cm), rhizome weight (g) and rhizome yield (t/ha). ANOVA was used to analyze the data, and the Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to compare the significant means (DMRT). The plants mulched with rice husk (3.74 t ha-1) produced the maximum amount of rhizome yield, while sawdust (2.84 t ha-1) produced the least amount of rhizome. As such, farmers in Nigeria's Southern Guinea Savannah zone may find it beneficial to use rice husk mulch material for their turmeric production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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]

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]

El mulch consiste en cubrir la capa superficial del suelo con residuos vegetales u orgánicos, previniendo las pérdidas de humedad, reduciendo las malezas y aumento la actividad microbiológica. Los Microorganismos eficientes actúan desdoblando la materia orgánica para almacenar carbono, en conjunto con el biocarbón reteniendo los nutrientes mejorando la capacidad biológica del mismo. La elevada presencia de sales perjudica y degrada la estructura del terreno, disminuyendo la permeabilidad del agua, presento problemas severos en el sistema radicular y follaje de la planta. En este caso, el objetivo de la investigación es evaluar los efectos de mulch y microorganismos eficientes, en el manejo de la salinidad en cultivo de banano. Se realizaron tres tratamientos: T1 (mulch, 10g de biocarbón, 10g de silicio); T2 (mulch, 10g biocarbón, 10g silicio, 10g de microorganismos, 35g enraizante); T3 (mulch, 10g biocarbón, 10g silicio, 10g de microorganismos, 35g enraizante, 70ml de regulador fisiológico). El T2 y T3 bajaron significativamente la conductividad eléctrica del suelo, mejorando la disponibilidad de nutrientes y porcentajes de raíces funcionales en el cultivo de banano, lo que presenta un impacto positivo en el crecimiento y desarrollo de las plantas. Estos resultados resaltan la importancia de considerar estas prácticas agrícolas para optimizar la producción de banano.

Soils are highly sensitive to the type of tillage practices used, as these practices influence soil properties and affect crops, the environment, and society. However, research on cassava production under different tillage systems during drought conditions in the Peruvian Amazon has not been reported. The objective of this study was to compare soil properties, cassava physiology, and yield under conservation agriculture (CA) and traditional agriculture (TA) practices, with and without mulch, in a water-scarce environment. Soil moisture, earthworm population (Ew), stomatal conductance, leaf area index, and commercial yield under CA were 5.26% (~105.2 m3 ha−1), 83%, 1.2 times, 1.14 times, and 7.3 t ha−1, respectively, higher than under TA. Hydraulic conductivity (Ks) in TA was 2.1 times higher than that in CA. However, Ks, bulk density, and Ew over time showed a gradual recovery under CA. The mulch factor only affected Ew, which was higher without mulch than with mulch. The results indicate that CA practices were superior to TA practices, improving soil properties, cassava physiology, and yield, and, therefore, offer significant benefits in resource conservation and higher production and profitability in a drought-prone environment.

The application of wool as mulch in strawberry cultivation was analysed to find a solution for the rational use of wool from mountain sheep. In the plantation, the experimental plots mulched with wool, straw, and bark were appointed. The plots were monitored during the experiment, while the soil temperature and moisture content were measured. The data collected in two-hour intervals were analysed, taking into account air temperature and falls registered in the local meteorological station. Additionally, the progress of mulch biodegradation was tracked. The changes in the wool morphology that occurred by biodegradation were observed during microscopic examinations using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was stated that wool mulch plays an essential role in thermoregulation of the soil surface, prevents the overheating of the soil during the summer heat, and protects soil against excessive cooling during cold nights. The wool mulch minimizes the fluctuations between the soil’s day and night temperature. The fluctuations do not exceed 2–3 degrees on hot summer days, which are five times smaller than for the control plot. The wool retains large amounts of rainwater several times its weight. The water is then slowly released, providing the growing plants with a moist environment during a longer rainless period. Moreover, wool is difficult to biodegrade and maintains its properties for a long time, lasting longer than one vegetation season. Compared to straw and bark, the temperature fluctuations recorded for wool are two times smaller, and its effectiveness in water management is considerably better. The beneficial impact of the wool mulch ensuring favourable conditions for strawberry growth was explained by the specific wool structure and its unique properties.

The paper investigates for the first time the impact of a novel sprayable, biodegradable polyester-urethane-urea (PEUU) mulch on the microbial community composition of an agricultural soil. In this study changes to the composition of the soil microbial community and in soil enzyme activity involved in nutrient cycling were monitored on tomato plants grown under controlled greenhouse conditions. Particular attention was given to impacts on the relative changes in abundance of soil microbes. The PEUU mulch reduced the abundance of a small number of soil microbe taxa, but also provided an environment in which some taxa, which were comparatively rare in initial and unmulched soils, thrived. Importantly, the relative abundances of Azospirillum, Noviherbaspirillum, Exophiala, Phoma, Chaetomium and Clonostachys species all increased in soils treated with PEUU mulch. Principal coordinates analysis revealed the microbial community composition on PEUU films alone and in PEUU treated soil were most similar, while the PEUU films’ microbial community differed the most from the initial soil’s microbial community. These results indicate that from an agricultural productivity and an environmental safety standpoint the use of PEUU mulch may be preferable to PE and could provide additional plant growth benefits by increasing the abundance of soil microbes.

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]

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]

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]

Excessive use of plastic mulches has triggered a series of environmental problems, primarily due to the large volumes generated and their low or non-existent degradability. For this reason, materials with similar characteristics to synthetic mulches but with a biodegradable character were sought. In this work, mulch films were produced from gelatin/glycerol/cellulose (GelC) and chitosan/glycerol/cellulose (ChiC). Their biodegradation time in soil and photographic analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were determined. The GelC sample presented a weight loss of 80% at 25 days, compared to 58% for the ChiC sample in the same exposure time. However, the latter was the only sample that could be evaluated up to 70 days, during which it presented its greatest weight loss (97%). The SEM results for both mulch films showed some color changes after 30 days; complete fracturing, growth of mycelium on the surface, and the presence of pores were observed. FTIR spectra revealed a decrease in hydroxyl groups, amides, and carbonyl bands as the number of degradation days increased. Obtaining polymers from waste materials, such as mango, represents an important task to obtain cellulose that can both reinforce and provide biodegradable properties to biobased materials, which can be degraded by microorganisms present in the soil.

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.