Effect of rates and modes of mulch application on runoff, sediment and nitrogen loss on cropped and uncropped fields

Authors

  • H.S. Sur Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India
  • P.S. Mastana Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India
  • M.S. Hadda Department of Soils, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India

Keywords:

Runoff, Sediment, Nitrogen Joss, Mode of mulch application

Abstract

Applications of mulch decreased runoff, sediment load and nitrogen loss, but the effectiveness greatly depended upon the mode of application. Where wheat-straw mulch was applied to the whole plot surface (W), on the lower one-third portion of the plot (W/3), or in bands (B), these reduced runoff by 50, 43 and 36%, respectively. Runoff, losses of sediment and nitrogen per unit area covered by mulch in the three modes followed the order, B < W/3 < W. Effectiveness of cropping in decreasing runoff, sediment and nitrogen loss depended on the mode of mulch application and was in the order, W > B > W/3. The results can be usefully employed to optimize the use of available mulch material.

How to Cite

Sur, H., Mastana, P., & Hadda, M. (1992). Effect of rates and modes of mulch application on runoff, sediment and nitrogen loss on cropped and uncropped fields. Tropical Agriculture, 69(4). Retrieved from https://journals.sta.uwi.edu/ojs/index.php/ta/article/view/4844

Issue

Section

Research Papers