Effect of mulching on crop production under rainfed conditions: A review

Abstract

Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural technique in which the use of organic materials and synthetic materials for the purpose of increasing soil productivity is involved. In rainfed area, judicious use of water is essential for increasing the area under crop production with inadequate water supply. Under such situation the uses of moisture conservation measures are essential. Therefore, mulching has been advocated as an effective means for conserving soil moisture. This technique is very useful in protecting the roots of the plants from heat, cold or drought or to keep fruit free from diseases and insect pests. As mulching checks evaporation and modifies the soil and air microclimate and thus provides the congenial environment in which a plant is growing for the better growth and development and also helps in controlling the weed growth. Mulching is also applicable to most field crops. However, it is preferred in fruit orchard, flower, vegetable production, nurseries and forest where frequent cultivation is not required. Most commonly used mulch is black plastic which is also called as agricultural mulch. Due to increased soil warming characteristics of clear plastic mulch, it is used only in some areas. White or aluminum reflective mulch is used where soil cooling is desired. Research has shown that white or aluminum reflective mulch also repels aphids which spread some viral diseases in many horticultural crops.