Organic Farming with Bio-mulching–A New Paradigm for Sustainable Leaf Yield & Quality of Mulberry (Morus Alba L.) under Rainfed Lateritic Soil Condition

Application of the organic substrates and use of bio-mulching materials are effective in retaining soil moisture content, reducing soil erosion, and suppressing weed growth and thereby improving the soil health. A field experiment was conducted during 2005-2007 in lateritic soil (with pH 5.2 and organic carbon 0.42%) under rain fed condition of Nayagram block, West Midnapur, West Bengal, India to develop a sustainable organic farming management practice along with the effective uses of mulches and its impact on the yield attributes and quality of leaf in mulberry. The objective was to assess the influence of mulch materials especially sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and combined application of organics and biofertilizers (Azotobacter chroococcum) in regulating soil moisture and major nutrients to enhance the production and quality of mulberry leaves under water stress condition. Analysis of three crop data revealed that that the poultry manure in combination with biofertilizer and the reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers applied in mulch plots have a significant effect on growth, leaf yield and quality of mulberry plants. However, the effect of using recommended rate of inorganic fertilizers was the same as that of using 50% of the recommended rate of inorganic nitrogen and 60% of the recommended rate of phosphorus.