Types of mulching

             MULCHING TYPES 

  Article by:- Somarapu Ujwala

Mulching is a method to cover the soil while growing the crop. This is done to protect from soil erosion, weed infestation, retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation, etc.

    Various materials are used as mulch to cover the soil like straw, plastic, leaves, wood chips, sawdust, newspaper, cardboard, etc.

Mulching is done in a wide range of vegetable and orchid crops. Crops like capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, chili, okra, tomato, brinjal, potato, pomegranate, papaya, lemon, guava, banana, apricot, and guava show better results with mulching.

With the extensive spread of technology and the adoption of various methods, a farmer is becoming progressive and is getting maximum yield in a minimum area. Mulching is one of the techniques that help to get maximum yield in a minimum area.

TYPES OF MULCH :-

Mulches are categorized into organic and inorganic mulches based on their composition

1.ORGANIC MULCH :-

These mulches are farmer-friendly as they become manure after decomposition and improve soil fertility. Organic mulches are leaves, sawdust, wood chips, pruned bark parts, coconut coir, gunny bags, jute bags, Kitchen waste, newspaper, cardboard, Peat moss, animal waste, grass clippings, dried leaves, Garden waste, farmyard manure, etc. A fully decomposed compost is used to reduce phytotoxicity. The mulching materials must be free of weeds to avoid the growth of weeds..

A.Compost/Manure/Peat :-

 It is the widely used organic mulch and helps to improve soil fertility. It has to be spread 2- 3-inch layer on the soil.

B. Grass clippings :-

this is the most available form of mulch. Fresh grass pieces add nitrogen to the soil. However, it is not suggested as it may develop roots and develop as weeds. So dry grass clippings are ideal to use as mulch

C. Dry leaves :-

Leaves are easily available material and are good for mulching. Dry leaves are light in weight and maybe blown away even by a light wind. Using stone, bark, or any other material helps to reduce this problem. 

D. Saw dust :-

It lasts very long due to its high carbon-nitrogen ratio. It must be partially rotted before the application. It is acidic, thus should be avoided in acidic soils. 

E. Straw :-

paddy and wheat straw and other crop residues like groundnut shells, stubble, etc. are used as mulch for conserving soil moisture. It is poor in nutrient supply, but after decomposition, it aids in improving soil fertility. It is spread in a thick layer of 5- 10 centimeter as a mulch

F. Newspaper :-

The cheap and most available form of Mulch. Due to its lightweight, they may blow by wind or water. So these are difficult to use as mulch. Using 2-3 layers of newspaper as a mulch under any expensive mulch is considered an ideal way to use them.

2.INORGANIC MULCHES :-

These mulches do not have any soil improving properties (adding fertilizers). Plastic mulch is mostly used as inorganic mulches

Plastic Mulches :-

Polyethylene is widely used as a mulch, as it can absorb long wave radiations and can increase the temperature around plants at night time. Crops grow through slits or holes in thin plastic sheeting. This method is used mostly for growing vegetables on a large scale.

They show positive control on weeds, prevent dryness, reduction of nutrients loss by leaching, etc. They must be disposed of properly to reduce effects on the environment. The thickness of plastic depends on the crop duration.

*Annuals ( short duration crops)- 20 to 25 Micron thickness

*Biennials ( medium duration)- 40 to 50 Micron thickness

*Perennials ( long duration crops) – 50- 100 Micron thickness

PLASTIC MULCHES CLASSIFIED AS :

Black polythelyne mulch 

They do not allow sunlight to pass through them and thus inhibiting the growth of weeds. They help to warm soil on cold days and maintain soil moisture.

Clear polythelyne mulch

They allow sunlight to pass through them and are not successful in controlling weeds to a large extent. Though by using herbicide coating inside the plastic, weeds can be controlled. These are most successful in the nursery and are suitable in hilly areas to increase soil temperature.

Gravels, Pebbles and Crushed stones :-

These materials are used in dryland fruit crops. 3-4 cm of stone or rock layer helps in weed control and facilitates the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. But they reflect the solar radiation leading to a hot soil environment during summers.

BEST TIME FOR MULCHING :-

The end of the rainy season is the ideal time for mulching.

Mulching can be done permanently or on a temporary basis.