@article{George_Idicula_Joseph_2015, title={Polypropylene woven fabric: A good mulch material for young rubber plants}, volume={43}, url={https://updatepublishing.com/journal/index.php/JPC/article/view/2850}, DOI={10.19071/jpc.2015.v43.i3.2850}, abstractNote={<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p>In young rubber   plantations, dry leaf, coco tree mat, polypropylene woven fabric and coir   pith were evaluated as agricultural mulch materials for their influence on   soil moisture conservation, weed control, soil temperature and microflora,   plant growth and durability in two field experiments. The experiments were   conducted in a drought susceptible clone (RRII 105) and a comparatively   drought tolerant clone (RRII 430) at Chimoni Estate, Thrissur district, a   drought-prone area in Kerala. The effects of different treatments were   similar in both the experiments irrespective of clones. Though dry leaf and   coir pith were effective in soil moisture conservation, they remained in the   field for one season only and failed to control weeds during rainy season.   Coco tree mat conserved moisture and also smothered weeds in plant basins. However,   it remained in the field for almost one year only before it was completely   decomposed. Polypropylene woven fabric improved soil moisture retention, as   well as suppressed weed growth and was found durable. Though mulching reduced   the adverse effects of summer, significant impact on soil microflora and   plant growth was not manifested. Polypropylene woven fabric appears to be a   good alternative mulch material for <em>Hevea.</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div>}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Plantation Crops}, author={George, Sherin and Idicula, Sabu P. and Joseph, Kochutresiamma}, year={2015}, month={Nov.} }