Mulching as a Sustainable Strategy for Improving Fruit Production and Soil Quality
Aakash Kumar Saini *
Division of Soil Science, ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal-462038, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Saya D
Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema, India.
Sourabh Sherawat
Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, India.
Smaraki Mohanty
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Ashwini Yadav
Division of Environmental Science, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Sulagna Mohanty
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Rupali Sharma
Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Sher -e Kashmir University of Agricultural sciences and Technology of Jammu, India.
Nikhil Yadav
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, India.
Mohit Kashyap
Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Palampur-176062, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Hans Raj Meel
Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Palampur-176062, Himachal Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The global demand for healthy horticultural crops has risen significantly due to globalisation and increasing health consciousness. To remain competitive in the international market, fruit growers must enhance both the quantity and quality of their produce. Among various agronomic interventions, mulching has emerged as one of the most effective techniques to enhance fruit yield, conserve soil moisture, and improve soil health. This review compiles and analyzes research on mulching practices and their impact on fruit productivity, soil properties, and overall agricultural sustainability. Among inorganic mulches, black polyethylene mulch has been reported to be most efficient in reducing evaporation losses, while organic mulches such as paddy straw have shown superior results in improving fruit quality and physico-chemical parameters. This paper presents a synthesis of studies exploring the multifaceted effects of mulching and highlights its potential as a sustainable practice for enhancing fruit production and maintaining soil fertility.
Keywords: Mulching, fruit yield, soil health, organic mulch, inorganic mulch