INTRODUCTION In an extensive review of organic mulches applied on conventionally tilled (plow-disk) fields, Dutton (1957) concluded: 1) that organic mulches such ashay and straw often increasedboth yield and quality of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and 2 ) that improved soil physical properties under the mulch, particularly lower soil temperatures and conservation of soil moisture, were r...

Mulches are materials that put to the surface of soil for a variety reasons. Plastic mulches various colours have been developed and employed in agricultural production methods. Colored plastic used modify radiation budget prevent water loss. It also helps with weed insect infestation, as well temperature regulation, efficiency, plant development, yield, quality. This paper reviews discusses un...

Drylands occupy 6.15 billion hectares (Bha) or 47.2% of the world's land area. Of this, 3.5 to 4.0 Bha (57%-65%) are either desertified or prone to desertification. Despite the low soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration, total SOC pool of soils of the drylands is 241 Pg (1 Pg = petagram = 10(15)g = 1 billion metric ton) or 15.5% of the world's total of 1550 Pg to 1-meter depth. Desertification...

This study was undertaken to evaluate natural mulches for weed control in organic onion (Allium cepa) production where current practices rely on hand-weeding or plastic mulch. Three experiments were conducted over 2 years, with two experiments conducted on-farm in different years and one experiment conducted on-station. Treatments consisted of hand-weeding or mulches of wheat (Triticum aestivum...