Mulch Laying Technology for Horticulture in India: A Review

Mulch laying is a resource conservation technology. Mulch laying technology having advantages of weed suppression, gain in root growth, and nutrient uptake, earlier ripening resulted in a higher yield of crops with minimum inputs. Mulch laying technology has proven advantages over traditional practices, but the machines meant for this purpose having a very slow rate of adoption due to insufficient knowledge, high cost, and performance issues. Many of the technology having potential but needs some modifications and refinements. The review paper presents an overview of mulch laying technology in India and can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development, and promotion of mulch laying technology. Mulch laying technology that combines soil bed preparation, drip laying, mulch laying, mulch covering, and making holes for transplanting, using the commercially available materials could enhance the adoption of the technology. In the long-run policy, measures need to be adopted for the reuse of plastic mulch to reduce waste to gain environmental benefits.