Extension Bulletin No.

1 (2010)

Copyright 2010 by Precision Farming Development, Centre (PFDC), Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow

First Edition, March, 2010

Published by PFDC, NCAPH, DAC, Ministry of Agriculture (Govt. of India) and Director, Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Rehmankhera, P.O. Kakori, Lucknow-226 107 Bibliographic citation Singh, VK, Misra, Rajneesh and Pandey, Surbhi (2010) Mulching in Horticultural Crops, PFDC, CISH, Lucknow-227 107 p. 20. Cover design by Authors Edited by Dr. D.K. Tandon and Sri Dheeraj Sharma

Printed at Army Printing Press, 33 Nehru Road, Sadar Cantt. Lucknow-2 Tel : 0522-2481164

FOREWORD
Plants are of significant importance for mankind. Its importance largely depends on the available quality planting material. For maintaining the quality of plants, conducive climatic condition is a sine-qua-non. Wherever the ambience is not favourable for growing quality planting material, it becomes indispensable to maintain the ground temperature for its growth and overall health of the plants. Mulching is one of the methods used since time immemorial for maintaining soil temperature around the plant for the benefit of fruit production. Mulching refers to protecting the layer be covering the soil around the plants for augmenting its growth and productivity by modifying the soil micro climate. It also helps in improving the plant growth as well as the overall plant health. Formerly agricultural waste was used as mulch material. But as time went by and there was advancement in science and technology, different sorts of polyethylene sheets were included in mulch material. Mulching embodies fallen leaves, needless, twigs, pieces of bank and other organic materials. Gravel, pebbles and different kinds of plastic films can also be used as inorganic mulch. Mulching is also an important practice for establishing new plantation as it helps to conserve moisture in the root zone of the new plant until the roots have grown out into the surrounding soil. It is of two basic types organic and inorganic. Besides the thickness, colour and quality of mulching material, the timing of mulching is also exceedingly important. The bulletin entitled Mulching in Horticultural Crops has been meticulously planned for the orchardists, entrepreneurs and end users so that every horticulture lover should get optimum mileage out of it. I congratulate all the authors for making it an useful publication for one and all. (H. Ravishanker) Director CISH, Lucknow

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PREFACE
With the onset of globalization and economic reforms, natural resources need to be planned and utilized efficiently. India faces challenges in the agriculture sector especially in horticulture in the form of declining per capita land availability, over exploitation of ground water resources, increasing cost of inputs. It has become necessary to create infrastructure and adopt appropriate practices to augment the utilizable resources and improve the efficiency of the horticultural production. These issues can be addressed by integrated and comprehensive approach by adopting latest technologies with active participation of all the stake holders. In order to enhance the productivity of horticultural crops, the Govt. of India has constituted a National Committee on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture (NCPAH). The committee has the objectives to evaluate the crop water requirement, cost benefit of microirrigation, develop package of practices for precision farming, enhance adaptability by the farmers and support human resource development. The NCPAH functions like apex body under the ministry of Agriculture under the chairmanship of the Union Agriculture Minister. The secretarial support is provided by Reliance Industries and the finance by Ministry of Agriculture. There are 22 Precision Farming Development Centre located in different agro-climatic zones of the country coordinated by the NCPAH. The Govt. of India has launched Centrally Sponsored Scheme making provision of 40 per cent assistance from the Central Government, 10 per cent assistance from the State Government and the farmers have to bear the 50 per cent of the cost only. I am sure that the present bulletin on Mulching in Horticultural Crops would be of immense value to all the horticulturists, agriculture/horticulture officers, professionals, students, NGOs manufactures and farmers. The bulletin contains chapters on all the aspects of mulching, practical aspects of mulches including mulch material, layout of mulching elucidated in scientific manner. I am grateful to Dr. H.P. Singh, D.D.G. (Horticulture), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. H. Ravishankar, Director, CISH, Lucknow, Shri Krish S. Iyengar, Joint Secretary, NCPAH, DAC, MoA, Govt. of India, Shri Ashok Gahrotra, SPO, PFDC, NCPAH, Shri Naresh Modi, SPO, Microirrigation, NCPAH for their constant encouragement, guidance and support in bringing out this publication. Finally we express our gratefulness to all those who have directly or indirectly helped in bringing out this bulletin.

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(V.K. Singh) PS&PI, PFDC, CISH, Lucknow

CONTENTS
Forward Preface Introduction Type of Mulch Organic Mulch Material Inorganic Mulch Material Mulch Material Colour of film Thickness of film Amount of mulch Time of Mulching Method of Spreading of Film Advantages of Inorganic Mulch Moisture conservation Soil conservation Soil temperature Soil solarisation Weed control Root system Physiological parameters Protection against Diseases/Disorders Yield Government Interventions List of Mulch Film Processors iii iv 1 1 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 8 8 9

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Mulching in Horticultural Crops

MULCHING IN HORTICULTURAL CROPS

Introduction
In the present scenario of globalization and health consciousness demand for horticultural crops has increased world over. Excessive competition has not only compelled us to produce more but also to produce quality fruits for sustaining in the international market. Apart from using high yielding varieties and good agricultural practices, there is a need to utilize environmental/biological energy for higher production. At present, hi-tech interventions for quality enhancement are expensive and unaffordable for the producers to compete in the market. Therefore, effective and economical utilization of natural resources by low cost technologies is judicious and adaptable. Of late, mulch, being a natural resource, has become one of the most effective technologies for optimum yield and quality enhancement of crops besides reducing the cost of production. It stands to reason that mulching can play a pivotal role in improving the economic condition of the growers, if adopted as per the advice. Mulching in common parlance means covering the soil around the plant with something beneficial for production. Mulching generally forms a protective layer around the plant for the benefit of its growth and productivity by modifying in the soil micro climate. It also helps in improving the overall plant health. The naturally available mulch materials include fallen leaves, needles, twigs, pieces of bark and other organic materials, etc. Alternatively, gravel, pebbles and different kinds of plastic films can be used as inorganic mulch. Mulching is also an important practice for establishing new plantation as it helps to conserve moisture in the root zone of the new plant until the roots have grown out into the surrounding soil. The growth rate of trees and shrubs increase when there is no competition for water and nutrients from weeds.

Type of Mulch
Formerly, merely agricultural waste was used as mulch material. But with the advancement of science and technology, different sorts of polyethylene sheets were included in mulch materials. Principally, there are two basic type of mulch materials.

Organic Mulch
An organic mulch is made up of natural substance such as bark, wood chips, pine needles, dry grasses, paddy straw, dry leaves, saw dust, grass clipping, etc. But organic mulch attract insects, slugs and the cutworms that eat them. They get decomposed easily and need frequent replacement.

Inorganic Mulch
Inorganic mulches are extensively used in commercial agriculture. Plastic mulch is the most versatile of all inorganic mulches as it does not decompose easily. Polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride films too are used as mulch materials. Plastic film mulches, low density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDP), are available in different types of thickness, widths and colours in the market.

Mulch Material Organic Mulch Material

Organic mulch increases activity of microorganisms in the soil by providing optimum moisture and temperature. Organic mulches are available in plenty but mulching is usually done with locally available materials as they

Mulching in Horticultural Crops are cost effective. Such mulch materials are described below:

Newspaper
Newspaper mulching helps to control weeds. One to two cm thick sheet of newspaper should be used and edges should be fastened with materials like pebbles, gravels, etc. The application of newspaper mulch should be avoided on a windy day.

Grass Clipping
This is one of the most abundantly and easily available mulch material across the country. It provides nitrogen to the soil, if incorporated fresh. However, application of green grass in rainy season may result into the development of its own root system which will be detrimental to plant growth. Therefore, use of dry grass as mulch material is suggested.

Dry leaves
Leaves, an easily available material, are good for mulching. Though leaves are good for protecting dormant plants during winter by keeping them warm and dry but due to light weight they may be blown away even by light wind. To counter this problem, it requires anchoring which can be done with stones, chipped bark and covering with net or some form of sheet.

Grass mulch in guava plants

Straw
Paddy and wheat straw are the commonest mulching materials used for fruit and vegetable production. Though straw is poor in nutrient value but after decomposition, it makes soil more fertile. Among organic mulching materials, straw has a long life in comparison to other mulches (grasses, leaves and leaf mould).

Banana leaves mulch in mango

Bark clippings
These are good mulch materials as they are long lasting and allow proper aeration to the soil underneath. Hardwood bark clippings contain more nutrients than softwood but bark clippings are not easily and abundantly available, and some bark products may cause phytotoxicity.

Saw dust
Saw dust, obtained during finishing operation of wood, is very poor in nutritive value as it contains only half the nutrients of straw. It decomposes slowly. Being acidic in nature, it should not be used in acidic soils.

Paddy mulch in mango plants

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Compost
The compost is one of the best mulch materials. It increases microbial population, improves the soil structure and provides nutrients. It is the excellent material for improving the health of soil.

Bio-degradable plastic mulch This type of plastic mulch film is easily degraded in the soil over a period of time.

Colour of film
Soil environment can be managed precisely by a proper selection of plastic mulch composition, colour and thickness. Films are available in variety of colours including black, transparent, white, silver, blue red, etc. But the selection of the colour of plastic mulch film depends on specific targets. Generally, the following types of plastic mulch films are used in horticultural crops. Black plastic film - It helps in conserving moisture, controlling weed and reducing outgoing radiation. Reflective silver film- It generally maintains the root-zone temperature cooler.

Limitation of Organic Mulching

Mulches can keep the soil too moist, restricting oxygen in the root zone on poorly drained soils. If mulch is applied close to or in contact with the stem, trapped moisture creates an environment conducive to development of diseases and pests. Many organic type of mulches also encourage and provide refuge or breeding locations for snails, slugs, mice, etc. that may attack the plants. Certain types of mulches such as hay and straw contain seeds that may become weeds.

Inorganic Mulch Material Gravel, Pebbles and Crushed stones

These materials are used for perennial crops. Small rock Layer of 3-4 cm provides good weed control. But they reflect solar radiation and can create a very hot soil environment during summer.

Plastic mulch
Both, black and transparent films are generally used for mulching. Advancement in plastic chemistry has resulted in development of films with optical properties that are ideal for a specific crop in a given location. Horticulturists need to understand the optimum above and below ground environment of a particular crop before the use of plastic mulch.

Transparent film - It increases the soil temperature and preferably used for solarization.

Types of plastic mulch

Thickness of film
The thickness of film to be used in mulching is determined by type and age of the horticultural crop (Table 1).

Photo-degradable plastic mulch This type of plastic mulch film gets destroyed by sun light in a shorter period.

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Use of different colours of polyethylene mulch in vegetable crops

Table 1: Thickness of film

Crop duration Thickness Area Weight coverage per m2 per kg Gauge m2 Gram 100 42 23 200 21 46 400 11 93

Annual crop Biennial crop Perennial crop

Micron 25 50 100

Source: NCPAH, New Delhi

Amount of mulch
The calculation of surface area to be covered is required for determination of mulch quantity. The coverage percentage in shown in Table 2 & with the help of Table 1 & 2 calculate the square meter of the material required.

In vegetable crop mulching should be done at the time of bed preparation but in fruit crops it should be done before planting of the tree. In case of establish orchard mulching can be done in the month of October. Replacement of mulch largely depends on the mulching material. Grass clippings and leaves decompose very fast and need to be replenished frequently. Inorganic mulches such as plastic film, gravel and pebbles rarely need replacement. The mulch requirement decreases as the plants grow.

Method of Spreading of Film

In a short duration crop, it is best to weed the area before applying mulch. A layer of mulching material is spread over the entire bed. Plastic film should be spread and adequately fixed at the time of transplanting. The plastic film is generally spread around the soil/plant from all sides at the time of sowing or implanting of trees or in existing orchards. Newly planted trees require a circle of mulch 1 to 1.5 m in diameter. Mulch is kept 10 to 15 cm away from the stems of plants. For established trees, a circle of mulch about 0.25 m in diameter is required for every cm of trunk diameter. The size of the mulched area increases as the tree grows. After

Table 2: Surface Coverage

Coverage (%) 20-40 40-60 50-70 100 Crops recommended All creeper crops Orchard crops (up to 5 year) Orchard crops (more than 5 year) Soil solarization

Source: NCPAH, New Delhi

Time of Mulching
The best time to mulch a crop is just after planting as it checks the germination of weeds.

Steps (1-4) spreading of polyethylene mulch in Fruits Crops

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Steps (1-4) of spreading of polyethylene mulch in Vegetables Crops covering, it should be properly suppressed with mud to avoid displacement.

Soil temperature
The fluctuation in soil temperature during day night is reduced significantly by application of mulch in basin of the crops. Black mulches generally result in higher root-zone temperatures while silver or white mulches generally maintain cooler root-zone temperatures. It was observed that stretching of the transparent plastic film tightly across the moist soil for 4 weeks resulted in effective soil heating by conduction than by direct transmission of solar radiation.

Precautions

Keep the mulch 10 to 15 cm away from the trunk of the tree. Mulch is applied just above the ground level. Pyramid shape mulching should strictly be avoided.

Advantages of Inorganic Mulch Moisture conservation

Mulch material forms an insulated layer on soil surface and hinders the entry of sunlight and solar radiation. The impermeability of plastic film prevents water loss due to evaporation.

Soil solarisation
Soil solarisation is done with transparent plastic mulch to prevent the incidence of soil borne disease. Soil moisture and heat retained during solarisation kills the harmful soil borne pathogens.

Weed control
Almost all types of film mulch materials are effective for control of weeds. In general,

Moisture conservation with Black polyethylene mulch

Soil conservation
Mulch protects the fertile top soil against erosion during rainfall and helps in binding the soil particles by plant root system.

Use of black polyethylene mulch for weed control

Mulching in Horticultural Crops black plastic mulch is better than other coloured films for control of weeds.

Root system
Mulching stimulates the lateral root growth particularly in nutrient rich upper soil layer. The greater lateral spread with enhance root growth in the upper layers of soil in mulched trees, perhaps due to the presence of higher moisture and comparatively lower soil temperature at upper surface. Experiment conducted at the CISH on mulching in different cultivars of mango and vegetables crops indicated that the area covered by roots in mulched tree was generally more as the unmulched trees. Similarly the growth of root hairs was also more increase in mulched trees resulting enhanced water and nutrient absorption surface of roots.
a

Anatomical structures of the root of mulched (a) and non-mulched (b) tree of mango The transverse section of secondary root of mulched and non-mulched tree clearly showed that conductive tissue (xylem and phloem) appeared more prominent in the mulching roots when compared to the control. Opposite to the mulched in non mulched trees, roots just below the surface are often sensitive to the heat accumulated in the soil from direct exposure to sunlight. Exposed soil also dries more easily as moisture is drawn out into surrounding dry air. Thus conducive micro environment developed in mulched conditions might mitigate the shrinkage of root, resulted development of more prominent conductive tissue as in the present finding which ultimately provides efficient conducive conditions of root for absorption and conduction of water and minerals to the plant during flowering and fruiting.

Physiological parameters
a b

Rooting pattern in (a) non mulch (b) mulched in guava tree

Rooting pattern in (a) non mulch (b) mulched in mango tree

Our studies have shown that mulching reduces the number of days to bloom, enhance the gas exchange attributes and increase nutrient use efficiency. The photosynthetic water use efficiency (WUE) was increased more than two times in mulched tree as compared to control. The enhanced WUE, categorically, reveals that tree under mulched used water more efficiently in mulched tree than the nonmulched tree.

Protection against Diseases/Disorders

Spongy tissue in Alphonso and jelly seed in Dashehari mango can be minimized by mulching. The mulch checks the convecting heat arising from the soil during fruit maturity to

(a) Rooting in control Brinjal

(b) Rooting in mulch Brinjal

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Table 3. Increase in yield of fruit crops

Crop Yield (T/Ha) Increase Unmulched Mulched in Yield (%) Guava 18.36 23.12 25.93 Mango 4.93 7.16 45.23 Papaya 73.24 120.29 64.24 Ber 7.02 8.92 27.06 Pineapple 60.18 80.26 33.37 Pomegranate 10.25 11.75 14.63 Banana 53.99 72.32 33.95 Litchi 111.0 125.0 12.61

Effect of mulch on absorption of heat in mango some extent and minimized the disorders. In strawberry it protects the delicate fruits from direct soil contact to avoid infection. Application of reflective/ silverside mulches reduces the chance of aphid infection.

Source: NCPAH, New Delhi

Yield
Plastic mulching has tremendous impact on yield enhancement. Enhancement has been observed up to 64.24 per cent in fruit crops (Table 3) and 60.74 percent in case of vegetables crops (Table 4). Orchardist are benefitted by early production with improved quality which fetches higher price in the market. The maximum fruit retention, minimum fruit drop and high yield in mango by mulching was attributed largely to improve availability of soil moisture during fruit growth. The low abscission in the pedicel is also one of the important reasons for minimum fruit drop and maximum fruit yield in mulch tree.

Use of polyethylene mulch on fruit crops in yield enhancement

Table 4. Increase in yield of vegetable crops

Crop Yield (T/Ha) Unmulched Unmulched Broccoli 15.64 25.14 Cauliflower 18.58 25.02 Brinjal 36.73 47.06 Tomato 69.10 94.85 Okra 6.91 8.56 Bitter Gourd 20.12 25.63 Chilli 16.79 19.71 Cabbage 14.3 19.9
Source: NCPAH, New Delhi

Abscission zone in mulched (a) and non-mulched (b) fruit of mango

Yield (T/Ha) 60.74 34.66 28.12 37.26 23.88 27.39 17.39 39.16

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Use of polyethylene mulch enhancement in vegetable crops

Government Interventions
For promoting plastic mulching Government of India has provided the subsidy of 50 per cent of cost subject to maximum ceiling of Rs. 7000/- per ha for a maximum of one ha per beneficiary. However, this intervention has been adopted only for few high value crops and need promotion to extend its adoption in large number of crops. The subsidy is channelised

through State Directorates of Horticulture/ Agriculture. National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture (NCPAH) is assisting the GoI in implementing the plasticulture plans. NCPAH is also carrying out research on these applications through the Precision Farming Development Centers (PFDCs) set up in State Agriculture Universities (SAUs) and other institutes all over the country.

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

Mulch Film Processors

S. Name & Address No. 1 Tuflex India (Div. of Parry Enterprises India Ltd.) 201/202, Regent Tower, Racecourse Circle, Vadodara 390 007 Creative Polymers 2500/18, GIDC, Halol Dist. Panchamahal, Pin - 389 351 3 Contact details Tel: 0265-2312900/2327239 Fax: 0265-2339352 Email: ho@tuflex.net Tel: 0265-2710256 Fax: 02676-2710073 Mob: 09825097161, 9825031161 Email: kamal_cp@satyam.net.in Sanhit Polymer Tel: 03463 255560, Fax: 03463 254215 Sriniketan Road, Bolpur, Disrict Birbhum Mob: 09434014378, ,0923308760,9434014378 West Bengal 731204 Email: sanhitpolymer@rediffmail.com The Supreme Industries Ltd. 518,Osian Building, Opp. Paras Cienma, 5th Floor, 12, Nehru Place New Delhi-110019 5 M/S Shivam Polymers P.O.Box: 188/13, G.I.D.C, Vaghodia, Vadodara-391760 6 Arun Manufacturing Services Pvt. Ltd. B-53, F.F. Complex, Rani Jhansi Road, Jhandewalan, New Delhi-110055 7 Bag Poly Interrnational G T Road, Opp : Narula Restaurant, Panipat 131103, Haryana Tel: 26480696, 26431191, 26416153 26423162/63, 26468445 Fax: 26480699, Mob: 9818600280 Email: sanjay_mishra@supreme.co.in Tel: 02668262547(office) Mob:09925004992, 09998004645 E-mail: shivam@shankarpack.com Tel: 011-23551699, 23544555 Mob : 09350107214, Fax : 011-23638587 Email : amspoly@vsnl.com Website : www.perfilms-tarps-ropes.com Tel: 0180-2635160, +91-180-263 4546, 264 2365 Fax +91-180-264 2065, 264 2646 Mob: +91 98960 76246, E-mail: info@bagpoly.com Web: www.bagpoly.com Tel: 0294-5101301, Fax : 0294-2420688 Mob: 09469141978, E-mail: bil@bppl.net.in Website: www.bppl.net.in Tel: 022 28779368, Mob:9821137304 Fax: 022 28773464, Email:kekin@creaplas.com Website: www.creaplas.com

Bohra Agrifilm Ltd. 301, Anand Plaza, University Road Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan Creative Plastics, 11-Gala Compound Haji Babu Road, Opp. Post Office, Malad (East), Mumbai-400097

Mulching in Horticultural Crops

S. Name & Address No. 10 Climax Synthetics Pvt. Ltd. A-1/ 835 , Gidc, Makarpura Vadodara -390010, Gujrat(India)

Contact details Tel: 0265 -2642836, 2642572, 2642169 (DID), Fax: 2642169 / 2642572 / 2643362 Mob:09909922073, Email : Info@Climaxindia.com Website: www.climaxindia.com Tel: 07412-260646, 260554, Fax : 07412-261174 Mob: 98270 31861,9893340304, 9827623278 Email : hemantkkataria@rediffmail.com Tel: 02827-252018 / 19, Fax: 02827-252610 Mob: 09879524474 Email: essen@essenpoly.com Web: www.essenpoly.com Tel: 011- 25927579,23367, 51424504, 05 Fax: 011-25927441, Mob: 9350026057 Email:delhi_ro@garwareropes.com Website: www.garwareopes.com Tel: +91-120-2896986 / 2896988 / 9811113059 Fax: +91-120-2896982 , Email: projects@landfill-liners.in / info@geomembrane.in Website: www.geomembrance.in Tel: 03463 255560, Fax: 03463 254215 Mob: 09434014378, 09434009737 Email: sanhitpolymer@rediffmail.com Tel: 0172-2227089, Fax: 0172-2270349 Mob: 09815230932, Email : avarma@sappl.co.in saplmoh@sappl.co.in Tel: 02668-262547 Mob: 09998004645

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D P Wires Pvt. Ltd. 16-18 Industrial Estate Ratlam 457001 (MP) Essen Multipack Ltd. Survey No. 209, Plot No. 5, Industrial Area, Veraval (Shapar), Rajkot, Gujarat-360002 Garware - wall Ropes Ltd. 10/ 66, Kirti Nagar Industrial Area, New Delhi- 110015 Premier Polyfilm Ltd. Works & Office: 40/1A, Site-IV, Industrial Area, Sahibadad, Ghaziabad, U.P. India

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Sanhit Polymer Sriniketan Road, Post Bolpur District Birbhum, West Bengal 731204 Shivalik Agro Poly-Products Ltd. B-45 Phase III, Industrial Area, Sas Nagar - Mohali 160055 Shivam Polymers 188/13 GIDC Industries, Waghodia, District Vadodara, Gujarat-391760

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