Influence of mulching on productivity, root growth and weed dynamics of maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems

摘要

An experiment was conducted at Basar, during 2008-11 on maize (Zea mays L.)-based cropping systems, to evaluate the production, root growth and weed dynamics with and without mulch. The productivity of sequential crops was 18-35% higher with mulch application than no mulch. However, the highest maize yield (4.25 t/ha) was obtained with maize-groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) cropping system, followed by maize-pea (Pisum sativum L; 4.24 t/ha). Similarly, yield of sequence crop was the highest with Frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L; 4.91 t/ha). Maize-equivalent yield and production efficiency were the highest with maize-Frenchbean system (10.1 t/ha and 42.4 kg/ha/day respectively). Land-use efficiency was found maximum with maize-Indian mustard [Brassicajuncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] system (71.9%) followed by maize-groundnut system. Root length, dry weight, volume number and density were recorded higher with groundnut (50.2 cm, 6.9 g/plant, 43.3 cc, 20.8 and 160.5 mg/ cc respectively) followed by Indianmustard and lowest with Frenchbean. However, specific root length was highest with pea (12.0 cc/g). Density, dry weight, index and persistency of weed were the highest with maize-fallow, followed by maize-Frenchbean system. However, weed-smothering efficiency was the maximum with maize-groundnut (59.4 %), followed by maize-Indian mustard system (58.6%). Mulched plot registered the least said weed parameters with 65% weed-smothering efficiency. Soil-moisture content 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS)was higher with maize-groundnut system, followed by maize-Indian mustard system, and between the mulch, no mulched plot had considerably lower soil moisture than the mulched ones.