The document discusses plastic mulching and its benefits for crop cultivation. It states that plastic mulching warms the soil and air by reflecting, absorbing, or transmitting sunlight in a way that maximizes the transmission of infrared radiation. This creates a favorable environment for plant growth, yielding crops earlier and at a higher overall yield while also conserving soil moisture by reducing evaporation. Common types of plastic mulch discussed are black, clear, and silver-colored mulches.
I am Sambhav Jain From Dayalbagh Educational INstitute, Agra doing Bsc.[Hons.] Agriculture.I have described here about the irrigation systems in greenhouse to be used by us.
I am Sambhav Jain From Dayalbagh Educational INstitute, Agra doing Bsc.[Hons.] Agriculture.I have described here about the irrigation systems in greenhouse to be used by us.
BLAST AND LEAF SPOT OF FINGER MILLET or RAGI or MANDUWA or NAACHNI, प्राचीन काल से ही हमारे देश में पारम्परिक मोटे अनाज जैसे कि ज्वार, जौं, मक्का आदि का सेवन किया जाता रहा है। इन्हीं मोटे अनाजों में से एक है रागी। यह अनाज सेहत के लिए बहुत ही लाभकारी है
BERSEEM Trifolium alexandriannium is an annual leguminous fodder crop.
One of the most suitable fodder crops for areas below 1700 m altitude with irrigation facilities.
Remains soft and succulent at all stages of growth.
It can be grown without irrigation in areas with high water table and under water-logged conditions.
Indigenous to Egypt.
BLAST AND LEAF SPOT OF FINGER MILLET or RAGI or MANDUWA or NAACHNI, प्राचीन काल से ही हमारे देश में पारम्परिक मोटे अनाज जैसे कि ज्वार, जौं, मक्का आदि का सेवन किया जाता रहा है। इन्हीं मोटे अनाजों में से एक है रागी। यह अनाज सेहत के लिए बहुत ही लाभकारी है
BERSEEM Trifolium alexandriannium is an annual leguminous fodder crop.
One of the most suitable fodder crops for areas below 1700 m altitude with irrigation facilities.
Remains soft and succulent at all stages of growth.
It can be grown without irrigation in areas with high water table and under water-logged conditions.
Indigenous to Egypt.
Plastic agriculture mulch films protect the soil and the growth of crops. Mulching films are an excellent barrier to weed, UV stabilized, and watch soil temperature.
26 . Kitchen gardening &plastic mulch A Series of Lectures By Mr. All...Mr.Allah Dad Khan
A
Series of Lectures By Mr. Allah Dad Khan Former DG Agriculture Extension KPK , Provincial Project Director CMP II MINFAl Islamabad and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan
Plastic-Pollution1 Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions....aabhishekkushwaha9
Title: Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Abstract:
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, with severe environmental, economic, and health consequences. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses reduction, recycling, innovation, policy reform, and public engagement. This essay explores various aspects of plastic management, including the current state of plastic pollution, the impact on ecosystems and human health, existing management strategies, and emerging solutions for a sustainable future.
Introduction:
Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, revolutionizing industries and consumer products. However, its widespread use has led to significant environmental degradation, with millions of tons of plastic entering oceans, rivers, and landfills every year. Plastic pollution poses threats to marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.
Understanding Plastic Pollution:
Plastic pollution is a complex issue driven by multiple factors, including excessive production, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and improper disposal practices. Single-use plastics, in particular, contribute significantly to pollution due to their short lifespan and limited recycling options. Plastic debris accumulates in the environment, posing entanglement risks to wildlife and leaching toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
Environmental and Health Impacts:
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem functioning. Marine animals ingest plastic debris, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Microplastics, small particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are pervasive in water bodies and soil, posing risks to aquatic organisms and potentially entering the food chain. Moreover, plastics contain additives and pollutants that can leach into the environment, posing risks to human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure.
Current Plastic Management Practices:
Plastic management involves a combination of waste reduction, recycling, and regulation. Many countries have implemented policies such as plastic bag bans, extended producer responsibility schemes, and deposit-return systems to reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling. Recycling infrastructure varies globally, with some regions having advanced facilities capable of processing various types of plastics, while others lack adequate capacity, leading to landfilling or incineration.
Challenges and Limitations:
Despite efforts to manage plastic pollution, several challenges persist. Technical limitations, such as the difficulty of recycling certain types of plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hinder effective waste management. Economic factors, including the low market value of recycled plastics compared to virgin mat
Row Covers - Protected Agriculture for Small-Scale Farmers ~ Ministry of Agriculture of Barbados ~ For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
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Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
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Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Huerto Ecológico, Tecnologías Sostenibles, Agricultura Organica
http://scribd.com/doc/239850233
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Plastic-Pollution ,plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hi...aabhishekkushwaha9
Title: Plastic Management: Strategies for Sustainable Solutions
Abstract:
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global issue, with severe environmental, economic, and health consequences. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses reduction, recycling, innovation, policy reform, and public engagement. This essay explores various aspects of plastic management, including the current state of plastic pollution, the impact on ecosystems and human health, existing management strategies, and emerging solutions for a sustainable future.
Introduction:
Plastic has become an integral part of modern life, revolutionizing industries and consumer products. However, its widespread use has led to significant environmental degradation, with millions of tons of plastic entering oceans, rivers, and landfills every year. Plastic pollution poses threats to marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and human health, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.
Understanding Plastic Pollution:
Plastic pollution is a complex issue driven by multiple factors, including excessive production, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and improper disposal practices. Single-use plastics, in particular, contribute significantly to pollution due to their short lifespan and limited recycling options. Plastic debris accumulates in the environment, posing entanglement risks to wildlife and leaching toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
Environmental and Health Impacts:
The environmental impacts of plastic pollution are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem functioning. Marine animals ingest plastic debris, leading to internal injuries, starvation, and death. Microplastics, small particles resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are pervasive in water bodies and soil, posing risks to aquatic organisms and potentially entering the food chain. Moreover, plastics contain additives and pollutants that can leach into the environment, posing risks to human health through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure.
Current Plastic Management Practices:
Plastic management involves a combination of waste reduction, recycling, and regulation. Many countries have implemented policies such as plastic bag bans, extended producer responsibility schemes, and deposit-return systems to reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling. Recycling infrastructure varies globally, with some regions having advanced facilities capable of processing various types of plastics, while others lack adequate capacity, leading to landfilling or incineration.
Challenges and Limitations:
Despite efforts to manage plastic pollution, several challenges persist. Technical limitations, such as the difficulty of recycling certain types of plastics and the contamination of recyclable materials, hinder effective waste management. Economic factors, including the low market value of recycled plastics compared to virgin mat
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Students, digital devices and success - Andreas Schleicher - 27 May 2024..pptxEduSkills OECD
Andreas Schleicher presents at the OECD webinar ‘Digital devices in schools: detrimental distraction or secret to success?’ on 27 May 2024. The presentation was based on findings from PISA 2022 results and the webinar helped launch the PISA in Focus ‘Managing screen time: How to protect and equip students against distraction’ https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/managing-screen-time_7c225af4-en and the OECD Education Policy Perspective ‘Students, digital devices and success’ can be found here - https://oe.cd/il/5yV
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
The Art Pastor's Guide to Sabbath | Steve ThomasonSteve Thomason
What is the purpose of the Sabbath Law in the Torah. It is interesting to compare how the context of the law shifts from Exodus to Deuteronomy. Who gets to rest, and why?
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France. It marked the decline of absolute monarchies, the rise of secular and democratic republics, and the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. This revolutionary period is crucial in understanding the transition from feudalism to modernity in Europe.
For more information, visit-www.vavaclasses.com
1. BIRSA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
Protected Cultivation and Secondary
Agriculture
LECTURE 2: Protected Cultivation
BY
DR. PRAMOD RAI
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
2. Objectives of Protected Cultivation
Fully controlled/partially/modified microclimate
around the plant: Above and below the soil
Temperature: Air & soil temperature: GH, shade net,
insect proof net, plastic low tunnel & plastic mulching
Light: Intensity & quality: GH, shade net, insect proof net
& plastic low tunnel
Relative humidity: GH, shade net, insect proof net &
plastic low tunnel
Carbon dioxide: GH & plastic low tunnel
Excess moisture, runoff & percolation loss: Drip
irrigation
Water loss, weed growth & leaching of fertilizer: plastic
mulching
Insect & pest: GH, insect proof net & plastic low tunnel
3. Plasticulture Technology
Plasticulture is the art of using plastic materials to modify the
production environment in crop production.
Pre-harvest
Plastic lined water harvesting pond
Micro-irrigation system (drip, sprinkler, fertigation system etc.)
Plastic mulching
Plastic low tunnel
Protected cultivation (GH, shade net & insect proof net structure)
Many mores
Post Harvest
Packaging of fresh F & V and processed food
Agricultural machinery
Many mores
Youtube video: Implementation of Plasticulture Technology in
Jharkhand (https://youtu.be/abhV_-zQ_Wg)
4. Research on Plasticulture Technology at BAU
All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on
Plasticulture Engineering and Technology (PET),
Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR)
Precision Farming Development Centre (PFDC),
National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in
Horticulture (NCPAH), Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare, Government of India
5. Current agricultural practices
Pre harvest management
Selection of genetic material (seed/ planting)
Agronomical management
Field preparation
Sowing of seed/ planting material
Irrigation &Fertilization
Weed management
Earthing of soil
Disease & pest management
Harvesting of produce
Marketing
Environment management
Not major focus on environment management,
selection of crop as per season
6. Rain water harvesting
The availability of irrigation water is major challenge
in cultivation of horticultural crops.
Seepage and evaporation are major challenges in
conserving harvested rain water in farm pond.
The farm pond can be constructed using plastic lined
or without plastic lined depending upon the location
of farm pond.
The plastic lining is very essential for farm pond at
upland and midland location to reduce the seepage
losses.
7. Important points to be considered
Water requirement in command area: water
requirement in critical stages of crop, total water
requirement during crop cycle
Runoff from catchment area: calculation of runoff
based on soil type, crop, size etc.
Capacity of pond: Volume of pond that can be
constructed based on water requirement in
command area & runoff from catchment area
Size of pond: Shape, Slope, depth, bottom size)
Selection of plastic film: Material, thickness
Sealing of plastic film: Chemicals, heat sealing etc.
Cultivation on bund of pond: Crops should act as
wind break
8.
9. 27m
15m
6.7m
6.7m
15m
3m
3m
6m 6m
Figure: 1
Size of pond: 1359 m3 (1359000 liter)
Depth of pond: 3 m.
Side slope of pond: 2:1 (sandy loam)
Size of pond: Bottom = 15 m x 15 m and Top = 27 m x 27 m
Capacity of Pond: The volume of pond was calculated by prismoidal formula = 1359
m3
Size of plastic film: The length of plastic film = length of bottom (m) + 2 x length of
side (m) + 1 m (for 50 cm length for bunging in soil each side) + 1 m for shrinkage of
the film
= 15 + 2 x 6.71 + 1 + 1 = 30.42
The width of plastic film = 30.42 m
10.
11. Spraying the weedicide Marking of water harvesting pond
Opening the trench for fixing the plastic film Measurement of plastic film
12. Cutting of plastic film Fixing of plastic film
Water harvesting pond Covering the water harvesting pond with plastic film
13. Covering the water harvesting
pond with plastic film
Plastic lined water harvesting pond
Plastic lined water harvesting pond Pigeon Pea and Okra on the bund of
plastic lined pond
14. S.N. Items Details Rate (Rs.) Amount
(Rs.)
1. Digging cost of
pond
JCB for 48.45 hrs 800/hour 39,000
2. Weedicide
(Glycel)
1000 ml 195/500
ml
3,90
3. Fevicol (SR-
998)
8 liter 350/liter 2,800
4. Plastic film
(500 micron)
32 m x 32 m 169/m2 1,73,046
5. Brush 4 piece 75/piece 3,00
6. Labour Charge 60 man days 250/mand
ay
15,000
Total cost 2,30,536
Total cost (including other cost) 2,35,000
Table 1: Construction cost of plastic lined pond
15. Summary
The water harvesting pond is covered with 500 micron
LDPE black film. Before covering the pond with plastic, the
pond surface is treated with weedicide (Glycel@10 ml/liter).
The plastic film is fixed with synthetic rubber based adhesive
(Fevicol SR 998).
The construction cost of plastic lined pond was around Rs.
2, 35, 000 and water storage cost is around Rs. 17.3/m3
(considering water harvesting pond is full and life of plastic
film is around 10 years).
The plucking of okra was done 20 times and yield
recorded is 13.5 t/ha.
The synthetic rubber based adhesive (Fevicol SR 998) is
not very effective in sealing of film.
16. Seed selection
Cultivation done for table purpose or
processed food development.
Cultivation will done under open field or
protected structure (i.e. tomato: determinate
vs indeterminate).
It has resistance from some diseases.
Its yield potential and other quality
parameters (size, shape, TSS, acidity, pH,
nutrient composition etc.)
Season in which it has to be grown (soil &
air temperature, light, RH etc.)
17. Round the year nursery raising
The virus free healthy vegetable seedling can
be raised in plastic pro-tray.
The plastic low tunnel with different
cladding materials [plastic film (50 micron
UV stabilized), insect proof net material (40
mesh) & shade net material (green, 35-50%)]
can be used to make the environment
suitable for round the year raising of
seedlings.
18. Important points to be considered
Current practices of nursery raising
Importance of healthy nursery
Round the year nursery raising
Pro-tray nursery growing system
Environment management in nursery raising
Selection of seed & growing media
Irrigation and fertigation management
Insects & pest management
Hardening of seedlings
Economics of nursery raising
Vegetables nursery growing as a successful
enterprise
20. Advantages
Can be raised under adverse climatic conditions and shorter
period but not possible under open field conditions.
Less chance of soil borne fungus or virus infection to the
seedlings as grown in soil-less sterilized media and insects
cannot enter under the protected conditions.
Drastic reduction in the mortality in transplanting of the
seedlings as compared to the traditional system of nursery
raising.
No mortality & transplanting shock, quick establishment of
seedlings due to perfect development of root system.
Early planting, hence earlier cultivation.
Farmers can get the seedlings any time during the year as
per their requirement.
Easy for transportation after packing for long distances.
Management of insect/pests and diseases better compared to
open field.
21. Youtube Video
Round the year nursery raising in pro-tray
Benefits of Plasticulture farmers
experience in field
(https://youtu.be/X0tUNARpKN0)
Poly tunnel for growing of vegetables
nursery at farmer’s field
(https://youtu.be/EZFpfdYaC2c)
22. Plastic low tunnel technology
Low cost compared to other protected
structures
Used for nursery raising and cultivation
The off season Cucurbitaceae, leafy vegetables
etc. can be grown under plastic low tunnel with
different cladding materials (plastic film, insect
proof net material & shade net material).
The suitable cladding materials can be used to
make favorable environment for round the year
cultivation under surface irrigation.
Youtube video: Low Cost Plastic Low
Tunnel- प्लास्टिक का गुफा नुमा घर
(https://youtu.be/XCJrqvmFqrk)
24. Important points to be considered
Structure of low tunnel: GI wire, plastic
pipe, bamboo etc. but we are promoting
bamboo due to its local availability.
Cladding materials: UV stabilized plastic
film (50 micron), insect proof net material (40
mesh) and shade net material (Green & 35-
50%).
Nursery growing: Soil & pro-tray with
growing media
Cultivation: Drip irrigation with fertigation &
plastic mulching
25. Bottle guard in open field
Bottle guard with black plastic mulch
26. Bottle guard with low tunnel
Bottle guard with black plastic mulch & low tunnel
27. Bottle guard in transparent (clear) plastic mulch
Bottle guard in transparent (clear) plastic mulch with low tunnel
29. General recommendations
Single stage process: The (a) low tunnel (with
drip/without drip) and (b) plastic mulch (silver-black)
with low tunnel (with drip only) can be used for direct
sowing of cucurbits, it helps to regulate the low soil &
air temperature, hence better germination and protects
from low temperature during growth period.
Two stage process: The nursery of cucurbits can
raised under plastic low tunnel with plastic protray.
The sowing of raised cucurbits can be (a) transplanted
under low tunnel (with drip/without drip), (b) plastic
mulch (silver-black) with drip and (c) plastic mulch
(silver-black) with low tunnel (with drip only).
30. Drip irrigation
It is a controlled, slow application of water to
soil over a long period of time.
The water flows under low pressure through
plastic pipe/tubing laid along each row of
plants.
The use of low pressure drip irrigation system
(gravity system) can be used for area up to one
acre.
Once the farmers are well acquainted with the
drip irrigation system and if further need arises
then he can use pressurized drip irrigation
system using the rain water harvested in pond/
plastic lined pond.
31.
32.
33. Types of Drip Irrigation Systems
Surface drip irrigation
Sub surface drip irrigation
35. Loam Soil
Wetting
front
Wetted diameter + 1.0 m
Heavy clay Soil
Wett
ing
front
Wetted diameter + 1.5 m
Sandy oil
Wetting
front
Wetted diameter + 0.30 m
Wetting pattern
under differnt
soil
Sandy
Clayey
Loamy
WATER DISTRIBUTION IN DRIP
36. Advantages
Water Saving: Due to irrigation of a smaller portion of the soil
volume, decreased evaporation from the soil surface and the reduction
or elimination of the runoff. It allows for a high level of water control
application, water can be applied only when needed and deep
percolation can be minimized or avoided.
Water efficiency: Reduced water usage by 45-60% compared to
surface irrigation, because do not wet the entire field, less -evaporation,
deep percolation and the runoff minimized.
Higher yield (per unit area and per unit volume of water): Water is
applied at a low rate to maintain the optimum air-water balance within
the root zone. Soil moisture content is always maintained at ‘field
capacity’ of the soil. Hence, crops grow at a faster rate, consistently and
uniformly.
Fertilizer saving: The plants can be supplied with the exact amount of
fertilizer required at a given time. Since they are applied directly to the
root zone, a reduction in the total amount of fertilizer used is possible
(average 25-50% cost savings in chemicals and fertilizers).
37. Advantage
Weed and disease reduction: Due to limited wetted area, weed growth
is inhibited and disease occurrences reduced.
More tolerant of saline water and soil conditions: The frequent
application of water continually replaces moisture removed by the plant
and moves salts away from the plant out to the edges of the root zone.
These salts precipitate out of the water at the edge of the wetted
parameter. This process prevents the harmful combination of high soil
salinity and low moisture from occurring.
Adoption to any topography and soils: It can operate efficiently on
any topography, if appropriately designed and managed.
Field operations are more flexible: It can be applied on windy days
and during operations, can function without interruption when
harvesting.
Reduced labor cost
38. Limitations
High capital costs: The initial investment and maintenance cost for
a system maybe higher than surface or sprinkler system.
Clogging of emitters: One of the biggest problems encountered is
clogging of emitters. The small openings can be easily clogged by
soil particles, organic matter, bacterial slime, algae or chemical
precipitates.
Requires some management and maintenance: It require greater
maintenance because of the small orifice characteristics which are
susceptible to clogging from particulate matters, organic matter, and
chemical precipitates.
Pressurized irrigation water: The irrigation water must be
pressurized, resulting in energy costs. The required pressures are
generally less than those needed for sprinkler systems, but they are
higher than those of flood irrigation systems.
Seed germination: Some crops do not germinate well . In these
cases portable sprinklers are often used for germination. Once
started the crop can be irrigated with micro-irrigation to optimize
plant growth.
39. It is a field technique which precisely
delivers the plant nutrients via
irrigation system in the crop root
zone according to the crop demand
during crop growing season
Wetted
bulb
Dripline
N = Nitrogen, K = Potassium
P = Phosphorus, + = Micro
elements
Fertigation
44. Important points to be considered
Where fertigation has to be given under open field (drip irrigation
& drip irrigation with plastic mulching) or under protected
cultivation (GH, shade net structure & insect net proof).
Recommended dose of fertilizer for growing condition.
Which fertilizer is given as basal dose or which with fertigation
system.
Fertilizer use efficiency of nutrients used under fertigation.
Fertilizer recovery rate curve.
Fertilizer scheduling
Though there are many factors which affect the performance of
fertigation but the cost of fertilizer and its availability plays
important role in making fertigation successful.
Initially for using the fertigation system urea can be used for N
requirement and P & K can be given as basal dose by using DAP
and MOP.
Subsequently fertigation of N & K can be done by urea and MOP
(white) and P can be given as basal dose by using DAP.
45. Mulching
Mulching is an agricultural cropping technique that
involves placing organic or synthetic materials on the
soil around plants to provide a more favourable
environment for growth and production.
The soil temperature has direct dramatic effects on
water & nutrient absorption by roots, microbial growth
& development, organic matter decay, seed
germination, root development etc.
Youtube video: Selection of Plastic mulch for
vegetable Cultivation
(https://youtu.be/qIxUO1hWHD4)
46. Working of plastic mulch
Plastic mulches reflect, absorb or transmit
incoming sunlight, the extent of which depends on
the type of mulch.
It should maximize the transmission of the soil-
warming portion of sunlight (the near infra-red
radiation) and minimize the amount of visible
light that is transmitted. This visible light can
increase the weed growth under the plastic.
Mulch’s color affects the temperature below and
above the mulch though the absorption,
transmission and reflection of solar energy.
47. Advantages
Primary effect
Soil & air warming
Secondary Effect
Earlier and higher overall yields: due to
favorable soil environment
Moisture conservation: due to reduction in
evaporation
Weed control: due to reduced light (PAR)
penetration
Reduced fertilizer leaching: Excess water
runoff the impervious mulch and it aids in
retention of nutrients within root zone.
48. Advantages
Secondary Effect
Cleaner product: soil is not splashed on the plant or fruit.
Gas exchange: Carbon dioxide released by roots or
decomposition of organic matter in the soil, the film do not
allow the gas to penetrate, it has to escape through the holes
punched for plants. This creates a chimney effect, resulting in
higher level of CO2 for actively growing leaves near the
transplant hole.
Ability to double/triple crop
Better insect management: Reflective mulches repel insects
such as aphids and thrips.
Potential decrease in disease incidence: Due to better water
drainage, incidence of soil borne diseases may be reduced.
Virus diseases are reduced because reflective mulches repel
vectors (aphids/thrips).
Aids in fumigation and soil solarization
Reduced drowning of crops
49. Disadvantages
Removal and disposal:
Photo/biodegradble mulch can be used.
Disposed off routinely by burning,
burial or dumping in landfills but
banned. Retrieval and recycling or
incineration/energy reclamation.
Greater initial costs: Mulch, mulch
laying machine and transplanter.
50. Important points to be considered
Season of mulching (increase or decrease in soil
temperature or weed control). The requirement during
winter season will different from summer season.
How many crops will be taken under mulch.
Water scheduling under plastic mulching
Fertilizer scheduling under plastic mulching.
Plastic mulching normally used under drip irrigation with
fertigation system.
In some cases, during kharif season mulch can be used
without drip irrigation system but only one crop during
kharif can be taken.
Removal & disposal issues with plastic mulching.
The black plastic mulch (25 microns) can be used during
winter & rainy season and silver-black mulch / white-
black mulch (25 microns) during summer season.
