Effect of Different Mulching Materials on Productivity of Papaya (Carica papaya) and Soil Moisture Availability

Abstract

Mulching is the process or practice of covering the soil/ground to make more favorable conditions for plant growth, development and efficient crop production. Effects of different mulching materials on the productivity of papaya and soil moisture availability was conducted at the Aralaganwila Research Station during 2005/06 maha to 2006 yala seasons in a Non Calcic Brown soil. Six mulching materials and a control (without mulch) were tested in a randomized completely block design with four replicates as follows: T l; (Rice straw)-8t/ha, T2; Gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium)- 8t/ha, T3; Guinea grass {Panicum maximum) - 8t/ha, T4; Ipil ipil [Leucaena leucocephala)- 8t/ha, T5 - Control (No mulch), T6- Polythene mulch, T7- Straw (2t/ha) + Gliricidia (2t/ha) + Guinea grass (2t/ha) + Ipil-Ipil (2t/ha). The highest crop growth and yield was recorded by the treatment of Straw (2t/ha) + Gliricidia (2t/ha) + Guinea grass (2t/ha) + Ipil-Ipil (2t/ha). Highest soil moisture availability in the surface soil was also recorded by the same treatment. Other than above treatment, only Guinea grass 8t/ha (T3) recorded the higher papaya yield than the control. Based on the results it can be recommended to use the mixture of mulching materials at the rate of 2t/ha each among the treatments tested to achieve higher papaya yield and soil moisture availability.