Effect of mulches on the efficiency of microbial inoculants and growth of Ailanthus excelsa in calcareous mined spoil*

摘要

Application of different mulches in degraded soil is helpful for the establishment, growth, and survival of plants. Due to moisture loss, limestone mined spoils become dry and compact, which prevents the establishment and growth of plants. Moisture inthe soil can be retained by the use of different mulches available in the plantation site. Various organic mulches such as straw, hay, and crop residues have been applied on mine spoil (Schivley 1979). Micro-climate of the rhizosphere can be modified through the application of suitable mulches on drastically disturbed areas (Graves and Carpenter 1979). Mulches also protect the soil by reducing the impact of raindrops and water run-off. Mulching treatments have been reported to be effective in loweringthe soil temperature in the rhizosphere. Moreover, organic mulches, after decomposition, can improve the fertility status of the spoils and help in the growth and development of plants in disturbed sites. Application of different mulches improves moisture content of infertile soil and plays an important role in microbial efficiency through increased multiplication, particularly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the soil. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different mulches on the influence of bio-inoculants in the growth of Ailanthus excelsa in the soil of mined out spoil. After successful experiments in the nursery, the technology was transferred to the field.