A DETAILED REVIEW OF MULCHING: AN IMPORTANT TECHNIQUE IN AGRICULTURAL CROP PRODUCTION
MUHAMMAD ASIF ILYAS *
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
MUHAMMAD AHSAN SHAKEEL
Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
HAROON ILAHI
Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Pakistan.
RANA USAMA IQBAL
College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
IMRAN ILYAS
Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
MUJAHID GULL
Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
MUHAMMAD TAYYAB BILAL
Department of Computer Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
MARIA KALSOOM
Institute of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
IQRA ILYAS
Department of Environmental Sciences, Women University Multan, Pakistan.
FAZAL UR REHMAN *
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
MUHAMMAD JAWAD SHABER
Faculty of Crop and Food Sciences, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Due to fast increase of the worldwide population, the requirements for foods to meet nutritional demands has risen dramatically. To fulfill the standard requirements, this necessitates increased global plant and food security. Mulches are generally among the most effective ways for increasing agricultural output while also protecting plants from certain elements that have an impact on agricultural production and yield. There are many distinct forms of mulches, but plastic mulches are perhaps the greatest extensively used globally. Plastic mulches are made up of a thin or thick covering of water-resistant substance that is liberally dispersed across farming area to keep moisture from evaporating. Plastic mulches help to minimize land degradation and offer a protection against microorganisms in soil. They are highly effective in controlling weeds & can be applied for an extended period of duration These can indeed be made manually but machinery are frequently used. Due to Pakistan’s severe river water scarcity, which were estimated at 11% in 2004 and are anticipated to reach 31% by 2025, it is imperative that certain solutions be implemented in attempt to reach peoples personal fundamental needs. Furthermore, to address the water shortage, additional holding facilities are essential. Mulches must be installed in appropriate opportunities to enhance output at the minimum cost.
Keywords: Mulching, refractive mulching, plastic mulching, production quality, photo degradable, pest management