Influence of Different Mulch Materials on Soil Parameters and Weed Control in Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. VNR Bihi under Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

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The impact of different mulches on soil properties and weed control efficiency on Six-year-old guava cv. VNR Bihi orchard was studied during the year 2018-19. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) using twelve treatments each replicated thrice. Different mulching treatments showed non-significant effect on soil pH, electrical conductivity and soil organic carbon. However, this effect was found significant with respect to available N, P and K content where mulching with plastic film of silver-black colour (T­4) showed maximum increase (5.75, 2.76 and 1.48 Kg ha-1, respectively). Highest average weekly temperature (23.70oC) was obtained in the plots mulched with transparent film without herbicide application (T6). Maximum weed control was found under black plastic mulch (T5) which registered minimum weed population (10.50 m-2), fresh weight (7.17 g m-2) and dry weight (2.48 g m-2). The experimental results revealed that application of mulches is one of the easiest and cheapest methods for orchard soil management which can be successfully employed for improving physico-chemical properties of soil with efficient weed control.