Effect of mulching on cruciferous vegetable crop production: A review

Abstract

Mulching is ancient technique which is used to conserve soil moisture, helps in reducing weed growth, moderate soil temperature and reduce salinity. This technique act as a boon for the agriculture and horticulture crops not only for increasing the growth and yield but also act as a method to conserve soil and water. This technique helps in protecting the roots of the plants from heat and cold. It is mainly used in fruit orchard, flower, vegetable production, nurseries and forest. Black plastic mulch is mostly used in agriculture whereas the transparent or clear plastic mulch is used in some areas to increased soil warming characteristics. Some Research has revels that white or aluminum reflective mulch helps to repels aphids which are spread through virus diseases in vine crops such as squash. It is act as boon increasing horticultural crop production in dry lands.