Types of Mulch
A mulch is a material which is a component of advance agriculture. Mulching helps in soil moisture conservation and suppression of crop weed. A mulch can be organic or inorganic.
In this post we will know about the different types of mulches. Post: Types of Mulch.
Also read: Types of cropping systems
Different Types of Mulches
(A). Organic or natural mulches.
(B). Inorganic or synthetic mulches.
(A) Natural mulches
Soil mulch.
Stubble mulch.
Straw mulch.
Organic manure.
(B). Synthetic mulch
Plastic materials.
Polyvinyl chloride.
| Contenst |
|---|
| (1). Soil mulch |
| (2). Stubble mulch |
| (3). Straw mulch |
| (4). Organic manure |
| (5). Plastic materials |
| (6). Frequently Asked Questions |
Also read: Ideotypes of different field crops
(1). Soil mulch
We all know soil is a natural body which is a plant growth medium. Soil also acts as mulch in its loosen form. The main purpose of soil mulch is reducing soil moisture content by checking evaporation.
Soil mulch forms during secondary tillage. Example: Earthing up.
Soil mulch fills cracks in vertisols.
(2). Stubble mulch
Stubbles are crop residues.
Examples of crop stubble are: Paddy straw, wheat straw, cotton stalk, maize stalk etc.
(3). Straw mulch
Straws of different field crops act as mulch.
Examples: Paddy straw, wheat straw etc.
(4). Organic manure
These are excellent organic mulch.
Both Vermicompost and farm yard manure are organic manure which act as mulch.
(5). Plastic materials
White plastic mulch.
Grey plastic mulch.
Black plastic mulch.
All have different qualities and properties.
Also read: Land capability classification
(6). Frequently Asked Questions
Question 01. What is vertical mulching?
Answer: Subsoil is a practice which penetrates the hard soil surface. It helps plant in easy penetration.
It is very necessary that subsoil work for a long period, for this vertical mulching becomes essential.
So, the slot is filled with organic matters.
It is very useful in black soil and in coffee gardens.
Question 02. What are the effects of mulching?
Answer:
- Mulching affects soil water through runoff control.
- It affects soil temperature.
- Improves soil nutrients status through organic manure.
- Improves soil moisture.
- It affects soil biological regime through O.M.
- Also affects soil erodibility.
- It affects soil salinity through leaching and evaporation control.
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