Affiliation:
1. Rural Education and Economic Development Society (REEDS), Pakistan
2. Rural Education and Economic Development Society (REEDS)
3. Better Cotton Initiative, Lahore
4. University of Sharjah
5. Beijing Forestry University College of Forestry
6. Cotton Research Institute Khan Pur, Rahim Yar Khan
7. Sugarcane Research Station Khan Pur Rahim Yar Khana
Abstract
Abstract
Climate change's threat to global agriculture, especially cotton production, has led to the adoption of mulching as a mitigation strategy. Organic mulches offer environmentally friendly benefits for cotton in challenging environments. A study evaluated various organic mulches' effects on soil properties, cotton yield, and quality in a semi-arid region with limited water and high temperature fluctuations. Results showed that wheat straw, rice, and sugarcane leaves straw maintained moderate soil temperatures (27.3°C to 27.4°C), unlike the control (41.6°C). Soil pH remained stable (7.9 to 8.1), and organic mulches raised soil carbon (0.68% to 0.72% vs. 0.51% control). Nutrient availability increased, with higher nitrogen (0.045% to 0.049%), phosphorus (6.2 mg kg−1 to 6.5 mg kg−1), and potassium (89 mg kg−1 to 92 mg kg−1) compared to control (0.028%, 5.6 mg kg−1, and 71 mg kg−1). Organic matter content rose (0.77% to 0.81%) versus the control (0.51%). Weed density decreased (4 to 5 weeds m² vs. 23 weeds m² control) with mulches. Cotton height, bolls per plant, and open-boll weight increased with mulches, elevating cotton yield (2704 kg ha−1 to 2743 kg ha−1) over control (2117 kg ha−1), with consistent ginning outturn (36.62% to 37.2%). Cotton quality remained similar, while mulches reduced irrigation frequency (7 irrigations) and total amount (533 mm); control needed more (9 irrigations, 685 mm). Crop water use efficiency improved with mulches (0.50 to 0.51 kg m−3 vs. 0.30 kg m−3 control). This study highlights organic mulch's potential to enhance soil properties, nutrient availability, weed suppression, cotton yield, and water use efficiency.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
Reference51 articles.
1. Climate change and major crop production: evidence from Pakistan;Abbas S;Environ Sci Pollut Res,2022
2. A review of the global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures;Abbass K;Environ Sci Pollut Res,2022
3. Abdukhalil A, INCREASING THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF COTTON GROWING IN COTTON CLUSTERS ON SCIENTIFIC THEORY (2023). J Econ Financ Innov 961–969
4. Climate extremes and compound hazards in a warming world;AghaKouchak A;Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci,2020
5. Almaraz M, Simmonds M, Boudinot FG et al (2023) Soil carbon sequestration in global working lands as a gateway for negative emission technologies. Glob Chang Biol