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Mulching Technology for Moisture Conservation: Strategies and Applications for Rainfed Area
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Researchers reviewed mulching technologies for soil moisture conservation in rainfed agricultural regions, examining how various mulch materials and application strategies can mitigate water stress under climate change conditions, with attention to both conventional plastic mulches and biodegradable alternatives.
Global climate change has significantly impacted agriculture by altering weather patterns, exacerbating water scarcity, and reducing soil health. Arid and semi-arid regions, which cover approximately 40% of the global land surface, face severe challenges in maintaining soil moisture due to high evaporation rates and erratic precipitation. Efficient water management is crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity in these regions, necessitating the adoption of water-saving strategies. Among the various solutions, mulching has emerged as a cost-effective and widely used soil management practice aimed at improving soil moisture conservation, reducing evaporation, and enhancing soil health. This review paper explores various types of mulching, their effects on soil moisture retention, and their role in sustainable agriculture. Organic and inorganic mulching methods are compared in terms of effectiveness, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Additionally, the paper discusses challenges, recent innovations, and future prospects in mulch-based soil moisture conservation. Recent innovations in biodegradable plastics, hydrogel-based mulches, and smart mulching technologies offer promising alternatives to conventional materials, mitigating environmental challenges while maintaining moisture conservation. This review critically evaluates the benefits and limitations of various mulching techniques, highlighting innovations that contribute to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, particularly in water-scarce regions.
More Papers Like This
A review of applications, effects, and potential of mulching technology in agriculture
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This review comprehensively examines mulching practices in agriculture — covering organic, synthetic, and living materials — and their effects on soil moisture, temperature, weed suppression, and crop yield. The authors highlight emerging biodegradable mulch alternatives as more sustainable options amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination from plastic mulch films.
Mulching Practices for Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing Yield, Soil Moisture, and Environmental Benefits in Field and Fruit Crops
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A review of mulching practices in sustainable agriculture finds that organic mulches improve soil fertility, moisture retention, and weed suppression while emerging biodegradable alternatives show promise in reducing plastic mulch pollution. Reducing reliance on conventional plastic film mulch is a meaningful lever for cutting agricultural microplastic contamination of soils and water systems.
Mulching Influence on Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change Mitigation: A Review
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This review pulls together existing research on "mulching", covering soil with materials like straw or plastic film to help crops grow better and use less water, especially in dry regions. While plastic mulches work well short-term, they contribute to plastic pollution that can break down into microplastics in soil, which is a growing concern for food safety and human health; organic and newer biodegradable alternatives may offer similar farming benefits with less environmental risk. The bigger takeaway: smarter farming practices like this can help grow more food with less water while also fighting climate change, but choosing eco-friendly materials matters for protecting both the environment and the food we eat.
Effects of Different Mulch Types on Farmland Soil Moisture in an Artificial Oasis Area
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Not relevant to microplastics — this study compares how different mulch materials (including conventional polyethylene plastic films) affect soil moisture retention in an arid farming region of China, focusing on water management rather than plastic fragmentation or microplastic contamination.
Application and Impacts of Mulch Installation Techniques on Indian Horticulture: An In-depth Review
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This review examines mulching techniques used in Indian horticulture, covering organic, inorganic, and biodegradable mulch materials along with both traditional and modern application methods. The study highlights the benefits of mulching for soil moisture retention and crop yield while noting environmental concerns, particularly related to plastic film mulches that can break down into microplastic fragments contaminating agricultural soils.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.