Mulching
- 1. 1 ROLE OF MULCHING IN CROP PRODUCTION Presented By : Mandeep Kaur M.Sc. Fruit Science 3rd Semester Submitted To : Dr. Amarjeet Kaur
- 2. CONTENTS Introduction to mulching. Types of mulches – organic and inorganic mulches. Comparison between organic & inorganic mulches. Laying of mulch film in fruits and vegetables. Selection & thickness of the mulch film. Irrigation and fertilizer application in mulched areas. Degradation of the plastic mulch film. Response of plastic mulching on yield of fruits & vegetables. Merits & demerits of mulching. Conclusion. References. 2
- 3. (1). INTRODUCTION TO MULCHING The quality of food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe – in fact the well being of all plant and animal life – is determined by the quality of our top soil. The earth’s crucial thin layer of soil i.e. top soil must be protected, maintained & nourished. The restoration of soil health and addition of plant nutrients to soil can be done by MULCHING. 3
- 4. 4 What is mulching ? Mulching is the process of covering soil around the plants with an organic or synthetic material to create congenial condition for the plant growth, development and efficient production (Bakshi et al 2015).
- 5. 5 The term mulch was first coined by Waggoner in 1960. The word mulch was probably derived from the German word “molsch” which means soft to decay. It has been referred to the gardener’s use of straw and leaves, as a soil cover (Jacks et al 1995). It is also known as Sheet composting.
- 6. (1. B). REASONS FOR MULCHING Unfortunately, Mulching does not perform instant miracles, but it encourages better plant growth & development. These benefits adds on to the mulched area, whether plants are growing in the coolest or hottest climates. 6 Mulch is used for following purposes :- • To conserve moisture. • To lower soil temperature around plant roots. • To reduce the weed growth (Manoj et al 2015).
- 7. (1. C). WHAT DO MULCH DO ? Mulch insulates and protects soil from drying & hard baking effects caused by evaporation of water from soil. It breaks the force of rain & irrigation water, thereby preventing soil compaction. It prevent splashing of mud & certain plant disease organisms onto plants during rain or overhead irrigation. The mulch covering excludes light, which prevents germination of weed seeds. So, fewer weeds provide less competition for using available moisture & nutrients. 7
- 8. (2). MULCHING MATERIAL The material used for mulching is known as mulching material. It may be organic or synthetic. 8 Organic mulches degrade easily and they are locally available usually and are on-farm produced. There is no issue of post utilization handling. For example:- Leaves, straw, grass etc. Synthetic mulches are synthesized ones and they need prior work before use them in the field. They are easily available, easy to handle, transport & lay. For example:- Plastic films.
- 9. 9 Mulches A. Organic mulches B. Synthetic mulches
- 10. (A). ORGANIC MULCHES The organic materials such as crop residues, farm yard manure & by-products of timber industry, when used for mulching, are known as Organic mulches. They do not suppress weeds, reduce crusting and preserve moisture. But, their gradual decomposition adds organic matter to the soil. Organic mulches help nutrients reach plant roots. They also nurture beneficial bacteria, fungi, insects and worms. They do not create any post utilization disposal problem, but their availability is an issue. 10
- 11. 11 Organic mulches a. Grass b. Paddy straw c. Saw dust d. Sugarcane trash
- 12. A. GRASS Grass has low C:N ratio. Later on, grass releases nitrogen to the crops. This nitrogen helps in promoting photosynthesis and general plant health. 12 Picture Source :- Google Chrome
- 13. B. PADDY STRAW Paddy straw has an unique property of not absorbing water, so water is easily available to plants. It introduces weeds as well as creates an environment for pests like slugs and rodents. It has the longest life span among all the organic mulches. 13 Strawberry Cauliflower Picture Source :- Google Chrome
- 14. C. SAW DUST Sawdust is small granular chip wood that is obtained as the finished product in the saw mills. It has high C:N ratio. It requires nitrogen from the soil for decomposition. However, it retains the moisture for longer periods. It is easy to apply and inexpensive. But, it should be used in well-rotten state for better results. 14 Picture Source :- Google Chrome
- 15. D. SUGARCANE TRASH After removal of juice from the sugarcane, the residue i.e. sugarcane trash, is used for mulching. It helps to tide over the drought. It conserves moisture and reduces weed growth. This type of mulching should be avoided in areas where there is incidence of termites. 15 Picture source :- Guava Orchard, Khalsa College Amritsar.
- 16. (B). SYNTHETIC MULCHES The in-organic materials such as plastic films, when used for mulching, are known as synthetic mulches or in-organic mulches. Natural degradation of organic mulches necessitates the application of synthetic mulches. So, they are also known as Non-degradable mulches. Synthetic mulches are available in different colors as well as in different thickness. They should be removed and disposed off at the end of the growing season. They are much expensive as compared to organic mulches. 16
- 17. 17 b. Black plastic mulch c. Transparent plastic mulch d. Degradable mulch e. Selectively permeable mulch a. White plastic mulch f. Photo-selective plastic mulch Synthetic mulches
- 18. A. WHITE PLASTIC MULCH It reflects more light to the plant as compared to black mulch. It is good for establishing crops under hot summer conditions. It has little effect on soil temperature. It keeps soil temp. down. Most importantly, it repels some insects. 18Guava tree Picture source :- Guava Orchard, Khalsa College Amritsar Zucchini Picture source :- Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, Kartarpur, Punjab
- 19. B. BLACK PLASTIC MULCH Black plastic mulch is the most predominating colored mulch used in plant production and it acts as an opaque blackbody absorber and radiator. It absorbs most UV, visible, and infrared wavelengths of incoming solar radiation. It does not allow sunlight to pass through on to the soil. So, it retards weed growth. It warms soil during winter season & encourages plant growth. 19 Strawberry Guava tree
- 20. C. TRANSPARENT PLASTIC MULCH Transparent plastic mulch absorbs little solar radiation but transmits only 85% to 95% of incoming solar radiation. It drastically raises the soil temperature and affect the plant growth adversely. So, it is often referred to as Mini Greenhouse Effect. It requires herbicides to prevent weed growth under it. It is known as Clear plastic mulch also. 20 Guava tree Strawberry
- 21. SOIL SOLARIZATION WITH CLEAR FILM Soil solarization is an environment friendly method of using solar power for controlling soil borne plant pathogens. It can be done by mulching with clear plastic mulch. This mulch disinfects the soil in order to reduce soil borne diseases and some weeds. Furthermore, this film is quite useful for successful nursery raising. 21 Soil Solarization Picture Source :- Google Chrome
- 22. D. DEGRADABLE MULCH Degradable mulch has ability to degrade after receiving a critical amount of sunlight. When the film receives sufficient sunlight, it become brittle and develops cracks and holes. Eventually, the film break down into small flakes and disappear in the soil. This mulch may be Bio degradable or Photo degradable. 22 Picture Source :- Google Chrome
- 23. D.1. BIO-DEGRADABLE MULCH Biodegradable plastics are made with starches from plants such as corn, wheat, and potatoes. They are broken down by microbes. Biodegradable mulch performs just as polyethylene film works on tomato and pepper crops. It can simply be ploughed into the ground after harvest. 23
- 24. D.2. PHOTO-DEGRADABLE MULCH Photodegradable mulch film has the same qualities as other black or clear plastic film, but is formulated to break down after a certain number of days of exposure to sunlight. 24 They are mostly used in USA. They are as follows : 1. Plastigone It is an ultraviolet activated & time controlled biodegradable plastic mulch. 2. Biolane It is an agricultural mulch film designed to photodegrade, according to a predetermined schedule into harmless particles. These particles then biodegrade into carbon dioxide.
- 25. E. SELECTIVELY PERMEABLE MULCH It is also known as Reflective or colored plastic mulch. It allows only certain wavelength of light to pass through the mulch and warm the soil. It discourages weed growth. Furthermore, yellow plastic mulch repel whitefly which spread leaf curl in solanaceous family. 25Root crop Lettuce Picture source:- Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, Kartarpur, Punjab.
- 26. F. PHOTO-SELECTIVE PLASTIC MULCH Also known as Infra Red Transmitting (IRT) mulch. It transmits high proportion of solar infra-red radiation. It warms the soil more than black plastic, but cools soils less than clear plastics. It is effective in reducing weed growth. Crops grown on the IRT mulch become ready to harvest 7-10 days earlier than crops grown with black plastic mulch. 26 Picture source:- Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, Kartarpur, Punjab.
- 27. 27 Comparison between organic & inorganic mulches Organic mulches Inorganic mulches It includes any material of natural origin such as grass, straw, leaves & saw dust that decomposes naturally. It includes inorganic materials such as plastic films. It has relatively low cost, especially if reusing farm waste and crop residues. It is much expensive than organic mulches. It is not easily available in large quantities. It is often available in large quantities at commercial centers. High replacement frequency. Low maintenance as well as low replacement frequency. High decomposition rate. Low decomposition rate. Difficult to handle, transport and lay. Easy to handle, transport and lay. It do not suppress weed growth. It drastically suppresses weed growth.
- 28. (4). LAYING OF MULCH FILMS Plastic films are laid before crop planting or transplanting. This includes preparation of seed bed, spread of mulch film and anchoring of edges of the film. These operations are very time consuming, costly & tedious. The laying of mulch film in fruits and vegetable crops consists of different steps. 28
- 29. STEPS FOR LAYING OF MULCH IN FRUIT CROPS 29 a. Sizing of the film b. Cutting of the film c. Cleaning & watering before fixing the film d. Fixing of the film
- 30. (A). SIZING OF THE FILM Mulching area should be equivalent to the canopy of the plant. Larger the canopy, larger the area of mulching and vice versa. Required size of mulch film is cut from the mulch roll. Equal length as well as breadth should be maintained. 30 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 31. (B). CUTTING OF THE FILM Cut the film in star shape as illustrated. Cut the film using a scissor from the middle of one side to the center of the mulch film. The film could be cut either in the field or in a clean, neat place and carried to the field. 31 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 32. (C).CLEANING & WATERING BEFORE FIXING FILM Clean the required area around the plant by removing stones, pebbles, weeds etc. Till the soil well and apply a small quantity of water before mulching. 32 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 33. (D). FIXING OF THE FILM If required, a small trench could be made around the periphery of the mulching area to facilitate anchoring of the mulch film. Open the film from the cut portion and insert the tree/plant in between the cut portion and cover the entire area. The cut portion of the film should be overlapped. The overlapped portion of the film could also be sealed using metal hooks. 33 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 34. POINTS TO PONDER Semi circular holes could be made at the four corners of the film in order to facilitate water movement. The position of the opening should be parallel to the wind direction. Otherwise, it will facilitate entry of air through the opening and result in tearing of mulch film. Cover the corners of the film with 4-6 inches of soil on all sides to keep the film in position. 34 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 35. LAYING OF MULCH FILM IN VEGETABLE CROPS Thin film of 20 to 25 microns is used for mulching in vegetables. Required length of film for one row of crop is taken and folded at required spacing of the crop. Round holes are made at the centre of the film using a pipe and a hammer. Alternatively, a heated pipe end could be used. Punching of holes in films 35 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 36. LAYING OF MULCH FILM CAN BE DONE BY FOLLOWING THREE WAYS :- 36 a. Fixing of film on beds for planting b. Fixing of film for transplantation c. Fixing of film for established seedlings
- 37. (A). FIXING OF FILM ON BEDS FOR PLANTING Till the soil well and apply the required quantity of FYM and fertilizer before mulching. One end of the mulch film is anchored in the soil and the film is unrolled along the row of planting. Mulch film is then inserted into the soil on all sides to keep it intact. Seeds are sown directly through the holes made on the mulch film. 37 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 38. (B). FIXING OF FILM FOR TRANSPLANTATION The seedlings could be planted directly into the hole. The transplanted plants are not erect and steady. Care should be taken to see that, the seedlings do not fall on the mulch film. It is advisable to mulch after the establishment of the plants i.e. after 3 to 7 days of transplantation. 38 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 39. (C). FIXING OF FILM FOR ESTABLISHED SEEDLINGS One end of the film along the width is buried in the soil and the mulch film is then unrolled over the saplings. During the process of unrolling, the saplings are held in the hand and inserted into the holes from the bottom side, so that it could spread on the top side. 39 Picture source :- Practical manual on plastic mulching By National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
- 40. (5). SELECTION OF MULCH FILMS * Type of mulch Purpose Thicker mulch Orchard and plantation Transparent film Weed control through solarisation Black film Sandy soil White film Summer cropped land Silver color film Insect repellant Thinner film Early germination 40 Selection of film depends upon the specific purpose to be achieved such as weed control, raising of soil temperature or cooling it down, disease control or enhanced plant growth etc. The selection of mulches depends on the ecological situation. * Source: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Editor) (n.y.)
- 41. (6). THICKNESS OF FILM * In plastic mulching, the thickness of mulch film should be in accordance with type & age of crops. It should be the minimum possible proportionate with desired life & strength. The recommended thickness of mulch films for different crops is as under: 41 Thickness (microns) Crops recommended 7 Groundnut 20-25 Annual - short duration crops 40-50 Biennial - medium duration crops 50-100 Perennial - long duration crops *Source : Based on Research Findings (2011) of Precision Farming Developing Center, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry,
- 42. (7). IRRIGATION PRACTICES The best way of irrigating mulched crops is through drip irrigation. In drip irrigation, the lateral pipelines are laid under the mulch film. Fertilizer could be applied through drip irrigation system. 42 Lateral pipelines for irrigation are laid under the mulch covering
- 43. In flooding, the irrigation water passes through the semi circular holes on the mulch film. The channels are made along the un-mulched area and irrigation is carried out. Rain water also passes through the holes on the mulch film as well as through the un-mulched area. Irrigation through sprinklers is also possible. 43 Sprinkler Irrigation
- 44. (8). APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER 44 In case of drip or sprinkler irrigation, fertilizer application is done in liquid form through drip or sprinkler irrigation system. In flood irrigation, all fertilizers & soil-applied chemicals are usually placed in or on bed before mulch is applied.
- 45. (9). DEGRADATION OF PLASTIC MULCH FILM During 1st stage of degradation, the film is reduced to a fine powder. This powder is inert and physiologically harmless to plants, animals and human beings. This is followed by continuous shortening of molecular long chain structure of polymeric material. 45
- 46. 46 Merits of mulching 1. Reduces evaporation 3. Reduces soil compaction 5. Insect management strategies 2. Reduces weed growth 4. Mulches aids fumigation 6. Increase in plant growth
- 47. 7. Root pruning eliminated 8. Increase in soil temperature 10. Reduces fertilizer leaching 9. Cleaner vegetable produce 11. Earlier harvest 12. Frost protection
- 48. Demerits of mulching 2. Removal and disposal 3. Labor intensive 4. Spread of the diseases 5. Increases crop/weed competition 1. Greater initial cost 48
- 49. CONCLUSION It is essential to find ways to increase the yield and lessen the cost of production. Mulching, is thus, one of the most important cultural practices which increase growth, yield and quality of fruits and vegetables crops. Due to multiple beneficial effects by all types of mulches including organic and synthetic, mulching becomes an inevitable in agriculture production. 49
- 50. (12). REFERENCES Singh B (2005) Protected cultivation of vegetable crops Kalyani Publishers New Delhi 110002 (India). Singh J (2014) Basic Horticulture Kalyani Publishers New Delhi 110002 (India). 50 Pictures source 1. Google chrome. 2. Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, Kartarpur, Punjab. 3. Guava orchard Khalsa College, Amritsar. 4. Practical manual on plastic mulching by National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture.
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