1Visiting Professor, Agromet Vision (Netherlands, Indonesia, Africa), Affiliated Professor, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
2Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500030
3Scientist, Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012
University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa-9300
*Corresponding author's Email: cjstiger@usa.net
Online published on 22 February, 2019.
Mulch kept on or applied to the soil modifies crop microclimate above and within the soil as well as above and within the mulch. Residue retention, mulch application and/or live mulch planting are few methods followed by farmers throughout the world. These mulches modify crop microclimatic aspects, viz. solar radiation, reflection and absorption, shading, thermal radiation, temperature, humidity, wind/air movement, evaporation (crop and soil), soil moisture (surface and within) and crop composition, structure and growth. They have marked effects on the soil-residue-atmosphere interfaces, depending on the characteristics of the residues, soil moisture and temperature alterations simultaneously, and modifications in the plant physiological functions due to environmental conditions created by mulches.
Microclimate, Mulching, Soil hydrothermal regimes
