Organic and Synthetic Mulching: Effects on Soil-Plant Productivity and Environment

Ahmad, Sharjeel; Tariq, Hamza; Abbas, Saria; Arshad, Muhammad Umair; Mumtaz, Amer; Ahmed, Iftikhar

doi:10.1007/978-981-19-6410-7_19

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 110 publications

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“…Previous study confirmed that mulching helps sustain soil moisture [26] and organic mulches, in particular, improve soil water retention for agricultural practices [25]. Most importantly, adopting mulching in farm operations increase productivity in cacao production [27].…”

Section: Probit Model On Determinants Of Adoption On Mulching Among C...mentioning

confidence: 67%

Determinants of Mulching Adoption among Cacao Farmers of Camiguin Province, Philippines

Lloren,

Jandag,

Quiblat

2023

IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci.

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Mulching is considered as a sustainable farming practice that promotes environmental conservation and improves productivity. The study was carried out to evaluate the determinants of mulching adoption among cacao farmers in the province of Camiguin, Philippines. The study was administered to 87 out of 201 cacao farmers using stratified sampling technique in the entire province of Camiguin last March 2023. Data collected were subjected to probit regression analysis using free software RStudio and R 4.3.0, where the dependent variable was the adopters of mulching, and the independent variables were age, access to extension workers, experience in cacao farming in years, knowledge, and training of mulching. Results from the probit model revealed a positive and strong relationship between adoption and knowledge of mulching (p-value=0.01) and training of mulching (p-value=0.01). The current study provides empirical evidence that knowledge and training are two vital determinants of adoption on mulching among cacao farmers in Camiguin. Educating farmers about mulching improves their knowledge and skills and increases productivity on their farms to attain sustainable agricultural production. Further studies may be conducted to assess the economic impact of adoption on farmers’ income and well-being.

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Section: Probit Model On Determinants Of Adoption On Mulching Among C...mentioning

confidence: 67%

Determinants of Mulching Adoption among Cacao Farmers of Camiguin Province, Philippines

Lloren,

Jandag,

Quiblat

2023

IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Additionally, they offer a protective function during the decomposition process, as outlined in Table 1. The application of wood chip mulch aids in retaining soil moisture and serves as a barrier against the proliferation of weeds [68]. Using organic mulches creates a favorable habitat for soil organisms, particularly earthworms, thereby augmenting the microbial activity within the soil and averting compaction [69].…”

Section: The Composition Of Different Types Of Mulches and Their Role...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Potato Growth under Straw Mulching Practices

Waheed

Muhammad

et al. 2023

Sustainability

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Extreme heat, droughts, pests, diseases, and short bursts of heavy rain make potato production unsustainable. This unfavorable environment negatively affects potato productivity and yield levels. Within the next few years, conditions will likely deteriorate even more. In potato cultivation, straw mulching has been shown to increase yields by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the soil. Mulching improves soil humidity, decreases transpiration, and cools the soil in dry and hot regions. There is a global decline in potato yields per hectare due to poor nutrient management, moderately humid years, and high disease pressure caused by Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria species. Farmers must take cultivation measures to achieve economic efficiency and adequate yields. A range of practices contributes to better potato yields and productivity, such as the use of appropriate fungicides, planting high-yielding varieties, and increasing row spacing. These practices complicate cultivation and affect profits. Furthermore, inorganic nitrogen in the soil regularly causes acidification, eroding soil fertility. As a result of land preparation, straw residues from rice and maize are collected from the field and destroyed or burned, which depletes nutrients and pollutes the air. Returning these residues to the soil, however, can improve its quality. Integrating rice and maize straw mulching into potato cultivation practices can enhance agricultural sustainability, productivity, and yield. This review will focus on using rice and maize straw mulching in cultivating potatoes. Straw mulching promotes sustainable potato growth, increasing productivity and quality while minimizing reliance on chemical inputs. Such practices can mitigate the need for synthetic fertilizers to enhance sustainable agriculture, ensure long-term growth, improve soil health, increase yields, and promote sustainable agriculture.

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“…Mulching is a commonly used and affordable method that involves applying a layer of organic or inorganic material to the soil surface around plants to regulate soil temperature, conserve soil moisture, and suppress weed growth 15,16 . Common mulching materials include plastic films, organic materials like straw or leaves, and inorganic materials such as rocks or gravel 17 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alleviating Heat Stress and Water Scarcity in Cultivation with Biodegradable Radiative Cooling Mulch

Lin

Hur

Zhang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Agriculture faces pressing challenges of heat stress and water scarcity due to climate change. While mulching is a common solution, traditional mulching materials lack sub-ambient cooling capabilities and biodegradability, resulting in elevated soil temperature, increased moisture evaporation, exacerbated global agricultural heat-water crisis, and soil microplastics pollution. Herein, we have developed a biodegradable and biocompatible ethyl-cellulose radiative cooling mulch with a solar reflectance and thermal emissivity of 97% and 0.93, respectively, to provide zero-energy cooling for soil surfaces. Field tests have demonstrated that the radiative cooling mulch significantly reduces soil moisture evaporation by 60% through cooling soil surfaces, while also improves plant growth by 30% through reducing crop leaf temperature and increasing sunlight exposure for photosynthesis in hot days. Moreover, global heat-water nexus simulations show that the mulch increases soil moisture preservation by over 80% and alleviates agricultural water scarcity by over 60% in arid regions during hot seasons. The work offers an eco-friendly and feasible pathway to foster sustainable agriculture by alleviating heat stress and water scarcity in the context of global warming.

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Organic and Synthetic Mulching: Effects on Soil-Plant Productivity and Environment

Cited by 4 publications

References 110 publications

Determinants of Mulching Adoption among Cacao Farmers of Camiguin Province, Philippines

Determinants of Mulching Adoption among Cacao Farmers of Camiguin Province, Philippines

Sustainable Potato Growth under Straw Mulching Practices

Alleviating Heat Stress and Water Scarcity in Cultivation with Biodegradable Radiative Cooling Mulch

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