Poly-Coated Brown Wrapping Paper Sheet as an Alternative to Black Plastic Film Mulch in Bhendi

Black plastic film mulching is widely practiced in crop production, especially in horticultural systems, because of its multiple benefits. However, its post-usage polluting residues and limited availability to farmers at all places cause concern. The objective of this study was to evaluate in a field experiment the potential of the commonly available stationery-purpose poly-coated brown wrapping sheet mulching in bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] in comparison with black plastic film mulching. Observations made on plant height and fruit yield, soil temperature and soil microbial population revealed that the less-polluting poly-coated brown wrapping sheet mulching was as good as the black plastic film mulching in performance which is discussed in the light of increase in plant growth and yield, moisture conservation and weed suppression, root-zone temperature moderation and termite activity.