Agricultural and Biological Sciences
4 years ago

Plant residue mulch boosts maize yields in dry East Africa.

Soil and Tillage Research
Plant residue mulch increases measured and modelled soil moisture content in the effective root zone of maize in semi-arid Kenya
Juuso Tuure, Matti Räsänen, M. Hautala, Petri Pellikka, Pirjo Mäkelä, Laura Alakukku

Paper Summary

Related papers

Theme background image
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
3 years ago

Biodegradable mulch outperforms plastic in controlling weeds and boosting yields.

Deficit Irrigation
Vegetable Grafting
Growth Optimization
2 views
Theme background image
Environmental Science
8 years ago

Groundbreaking mulching patterns cool soil, conserve moisture, and combat high temperatures.

Water Management
Global Education
Remote Sensing
2 views
Theme background image
Environmental Science
8 years ago

Biodegradable mulch boosts maize yield and water efficiency in arid fields.

Water Management
2 views

Covering soil with plant residue mulch in semi-arid Kenya helps retain water, reducing evaporation and increasing soil moisture. This study measured soil moisture in maize fields with and without mulch, showing that mulching increased days with optimal moisture levels by 24%–46%. Thicker mulch layers further improved moisture retention, with a 59% increase in optimal moisture days when mulch thickness increased from 1 to 3 cm. Mulch could maintain optimal moisture levels during a 19-day dry spell, but the amount of plant residue limits the effectiveness of mulching.