Effect of different mulches on soil properties during summer squash (cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation in mid-hill conditions of Garhwal Himalayas

The experiment was laid out in an open field conditions to find out the possible effect of seven different mulching materials which is of polyethylene and organic type, respectively on soil properties during summer squash (cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation. The data on nutritional status clearly revealed that the mulch material on soil improves the level of soil organic carbon as compared to non mulched soil, the maximum organic carbon (2.50%) and Potassium (K₂O) 496.66 kg/ha observed under Farm Yard Manure (FYM) mulch. While, the maximum amount of Phosphorous (P₂O₅) 37.65 kg/ha and Nitrogen (487.02 kg/ha) was recorded with forest litter mulch. Under the non-biodegradable mulch materials, i.e., Black polyethylene and clear polyethylene mulch relatively increase in organic carbon and nitrogen content but no increase in K₂O and P₂₅ content over control treatment. Study also observed that different mulch material was beneficial in maintaining the optimum temperature of soil. Therefore present study concluded that mulching not only regulate the soil temperature, but also effect the soil chemical properties and provide congenial condition for the growth and development of summer squash.