Effect of mulches on soil properties in aonla orchard established on sodic land

Mulching with locally available organic mulches (paddy straw, sugarcane trash and grasses) was quite effective in improving the physical soil properties, i.e., porosity, hydraulic conductivity and field capacity. Their values increased as compared to control and mulching with black polyethylene. Similarly, higher organic carbon content, available nitrogen and potassium were also observed. The organic mulches were also effective in reducing the ECe, ESP and cations content in the tree basin. Amongst the organic mulches evaluated, paddy straw showed better response followed by sugarcane trash and grasses. Use of paddy straw over a longer period as mulch needs to be popularized in aonla orchards particularly on salt affected soils.