Department of Agronomy, Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore (W. B.), India.
Straw mulch reduced weed growth and increased crop yield significantly. Maximum fruit yield was recorded due to mulching 16 t/ha in both the years (5363 and 2472 kg/ha in 1993 and 1994. respectively over 2034 and 584 kg/ha under no mulch). Organic mulch application maintained low weed density for 8 to 9 months (from March to November) in pointed gourd. Mulching 16 t/ha reduced grass. broad leaved and sedge weed by 57 to 89%, 50 to 71% and 72 to 91%, respectively over no mulch. Straw mulch at 12 t/ha reduced grass weed population from 42 to 88% over no mulch at different months. Eight t/ha straw mulch reduced sedge population (43 to 66%). In most of the months. rice straw mulch at 8 to 12 t/ha resulted in weed biomass at par with weed biomass recorded from straw mulch at 20 t/ha. Straw mulch at 16 t/ha reduced weed biomass by 34 to 83% and 30 to 56% in 1993 and 1994, respectively, over no mulch. In postrainy season months mulched plots recorded significantly lower weed biomass.
