Orchard Management

EXERCISE 9

EXERCISE 9: USE OF INORGANIC MULCHES IN FRUIT ORCHARD

Inorganic mulches are usually preferred in fruit orchards located in the high hill areas having cooler climate. It also helps in raising the soil temperature in winter, required for greater nutrient absorption and roots metabolic activities. However, inorganic mulches lack soil improving properties of organic mulches.

Inorganic mulch: Black polythene (150 gauge), metal foil, gravel, stone etc.

Aims:

• Protect the soil from erosion
• Reduce compaction from the impact of heavy rains, therefore soil under mulch is more porous; avoid excessive CO2 accumulation and humidification.
• Conserve moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering
• Maintains a more even soil temperature
• Prevent weed growth
• Keeps fruits (e.g. strawberry) clean
• Keeps feet clean, allowing access to the garden even when damp
• Provide a ‘finished’ look to the garden

How to and when to apply mulch

Among the inorganic mulches, use of black polythene sheet of 200 micron thickness around the tree basins or in strips is common, keeping sufficient vacant space for working between the rows (Plate 9. 1).

Plate 9.1: Black polythene mulching in apple plantation

Time of application depends on what is expected to be achieved by mulching. Mulches used to moderate winter temperatures can be applied late in the fall after the ground has frozen but before the coldest temperature arrive.

Observations to be recorded:

Record observations on moisture content by gravimetric method and on the tree growth under inorganic mulching and draw conclusions.