Influence of mulching on productivity, root growth and weed dynamics of maize (Zea mays)–based cropping systems

An experiment was conducted at Basar, during 2008–11 on maize (Zea mays L.)–based cropping systems, to evaluate the production, root growth and weed dynamics with and without mulch. The productivity of sequential crops was 18–35% higher with mulch application than no mulch. However, the highest maize yield (4.25 t/ha) was obtained with maize–groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system, followed by maize–pea (Pisum sativum L.; 4.24 t/ha). Similarly, yield of sequence crop was the highest with Frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; 4.91 t/ha). Maize–equivalent yield and production efficiency were the highest with maize–Frenchbean system (10.1 t/ha and 42.4 kg/ha/day respectively). Land-use efficiency was found maximum with maize–Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] system (71.9%) followed by maize–groundnut system. Root length, dry weight, volume number and density were recorded higher with groundnut (50.2 cm, 6.9 g/plant, 43.3 cc, 20.8 and 160.5 mg/cc respectively) followed by Indian mustard and lowest with Frenchbean. However, specific root length was highest with pea (12.0 cc/g). Density, dry weight, index and persistency of weed were the highest with maize–fallow, followed by maize–Frenchbean system. However, weed-smothering efficiency was the maximum with maize–groundnut (59.4%), followed by maize–Indian mustard system (58.6%). Mulched plot registered the least said weed parameters with 65% weed-smothering efficiency. Soil-moisture content 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) was higher with maize–groundnut system, followed by maize–Indian mustard system, and between the mulch, no mulched plot had considerably lower soil moisture than the mulched ones.