Effect of Mulching on Onion Production

A comparative study of bio-degradable mulch, normal plastic mulch, wheat straw and no mulch (control) was conducted at Research Farm of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Junagadh Agricultural university, Junagadh during winter season (2007–2009) in onion crop. The experiment was laid out in RBD with six replications to see the effect of these mulching materials on soil moisture, soil temperature, weed growth, crop maturity and yield. The results of the study revealed that soil temperature could be increased by 1–2°C. The moisture retention for mulch treatments varied 4.0 to 4.5 cm which was 0.4 - 0.6 cm/irrigation higher as compared to no mulch. For complete maturity of the crop total 16 irrigations were required thus, 6.4 - 9.6 cm water could be saved. The dry weight of weeds could be reduced in the range of 50–60% over no mulch treatment.