Effect of mulches on aonla (Emblica officinalis) orchard in sodic soil

The organic and inorganic mulches were tried in aonla orchard. Mulching treatments encouraged tree growth, effectively checked the weed growth, reduced moisture evaporation and also regulated soil temperature. The cost/tree basin and hectare basis showed that black polyethylene is very expensive and also it does not incorporate any humus in the soil. Contrary to this, paddy straw is locally and easily available, showed better response followed by sugarcane trash mulching. Therefore, their use over a number of years would be helpful in improving the soil fertility.