Improvement of crop and soil management practices through mulching for enhancement of soil fertility and environmental sustainability: A review

Mythili Ravichandran; Sumathi C Samiappan; Rajesh Pandiyan; Rajesh Kannan Velu

doi:10.18006/2022.10(4).697.712

Authors

Mythili Ravichandran Department of Microbiology, Vivekanandha Arts and Science College for Women, Sankagiri, Salem, Tamil Nadu-637303, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8432-9764
Sumathi C Samiappan Srinivasa Ramanujan Centre, SASTRA Deemed University, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0246-4082
Rajesh Pandiyan Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Bharath University (Deemed to be University), Selaiyur, Chennai. Tamil Nadu, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8247-8707
Rajesh Kannan Velu Rhizosphere Biology Laboratory, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4625-2898

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18006/2022.10(4).697.712

Keywords:

Agriculture, Soil cover, Water scarcity, Soil nutrients, Soil moisture, Crop production

Abstract

The logarithmic phase of the human population creates high food demand near the future throughout the world. On the flip side, improved crop production requires uninterrupted water irrigation. Therefore, sensible agricultural inputs are needed to overcome these concerns. New technology-based innovative agronomic research steps will boost the contemporary agriculture practices in developed and developing countries. Agricultural cropping systems could follow mulching practices as one of the best crop management practices for its water and nutrient management potential. It is primarily to accomplish healthy economic and environmental bonds. By covering the soil's surface with biodegradable resources such as organic and inorganic materials, mulching improves the physicochemical characteristics of the soil. This approach provides a favorable environment for the development of plant growth and fosters the activities of microbial communities. Additionally, it reduces the growth of weeds, manages erosion, gets rid of pesticide residue, and increases soil fertility. Mulching the soil surface has profound benefits in improving the soil moisture levels due to a reduced evaporation rate. This method is a practical agronomic entrance to reduce water scarcity and raise the chance of water conservation, notably in arid and semiarid regions. It can also boost crop security and production to meet the global food requirements. This review significantly focuses on the current influence and advantages of organic mulches for crop establishment in the agriculture sector, which can close the production gap between achievable and actual yield.

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