Journal of Agronomy and Field Innovations

Background: The ability of soil to retain water significantly impacts crop yields in irrigated and rain-fed agriculture which are becoming more vulnerable to climate variability. Mulch practices are considered low-cost means for minimizing soil water loss, but there is little information comparing their effectiveness in the field.
Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the effects of several types of mulch on soil water retention, infiltration, temperature, and crop yields.
Method: The study utilized a randomized complete block design with five treatments (straw, plastic, crop residue, compost and bare soil) on the four replications over one growing season, whereas the soil water retention, bulk density, porosity, infiltration rate, temperature and organic matter were measured at 0-15 cm depth every two weeks; crop growth and WUE information were collected and analyzed using R statistical software.
Results: Significant increases in the soil retention ability of water were noted for all of the mulch treatments, although the plastic mulch treatment was the most effective (38.6% efficiency).
Conclusion: the mulching approach to conservation helps in the improvement of soil moisture retention and creates more water use effectiveness when looking at crops. It shows us a practical method of managing water sustainably and improving climate adaptability.