Mulching for Enhanced Cotton Production in Saline Soils
Mulching for Enhanced Cotton Production in Saline Soils
Muhammad Iqbal1*, Saba Iqbal1, Asmat Ullah2, Arbab Jahangeer1, Naveed Akhtar3, Tahira Tabassum3, Ali Zohaib3, Naveed Ramzan3
ABSTRACT
Salinity is a major risk to cotton cultivation. In salinity, soluble salts are gathered in the root zone of plants causing ionic and osmotic disproportion. However, by way of a superior field-management opportunity, buildup of soluble salts in rhizosphere can be managed by applying soil mulching which reduces water evaporation from soil hence limits upward movement of salts. Moreover, it also reserves soil moisture, increases utilizing efficiencies of nutrient and water hence improves crop yield. Critical research gaps exist in understanding the long-term effectiveness of various mulching materials on cotton yield and soil health in saline soils. Comparative analyses between organic and inorganic mulches and mechanistic understanding of salt reduction in the rhizosphere are limited, impeding tailored mulching strategies for enhanced cotton production sustainability in saline environments. This two years field study (2019 and 2020) explored the influence of various mulching treatments on cotton productivity in saline conditions. Experimental treatments were control (conventional), plastic mulch (PM), wheat straw mulch (WSM), farm yard manure mulch (FYMM) and FYMM + WSM. Mulching significantly increased soil water contents (32%), hydraulic conductivity (5%) whereas reduced soil salt contents (67%) and bulk density (12%) compared to control especially where FYMM + WSM were applied. This treatment also gave higher values of soil organic matter (43%), total nitrogen (31%) and available phosphorous (62%) than control. Physiological parameters including stomatal conductance (14%), photosynthetic rate (50%), transpiration rate (44%), and Na+/K+ ratio (29%) were also improved by mulching especially in FYMM + WSM. Higher values of yield-related components; plant population (34%), plant height (14%), total number of bolls per plant (44%), average boll weight (30%), and seed cotton yield (50%) were also documented in FYMM + WSM. Economic analysis revealed that FYMM + WSM were the most economically feasible option with 30% higher benefit cost ratio (BCR) than control. Therefore, it is recommended that the bed tops should be covered with FYMM + WSM at the time of sowing to obtain improved growth, yield, and economic benefits in cotton cultivation under saline conditions.
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