Rakesh Naik A.C. and Narayana J.
Abstract
Sustainable residue management and eco-friendly agronomic practices are essential for improving soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. This doctoral research investigates the effectiveness of areca nut husk and areca leaf sheath as organic mulching materials and their influence on soil physico-chemical and biological properties, and plant growth. Field experiments were conducted using areca husk mulch and areca leaf sheath mulch in comparison with conventional mulching practices and unmulched control plots. Key parameters evaluated included soil moisture dynamics, soil temperature regulation, bulk density, organic carbon content, nutrient availability, microbial activity, weed suppression efficiency. The results demonstrated that mulching with areca husk and areca leaf sheath significantly improved soil moisture retention and moderated soil temperature fluctuations, leading to enhanced root growth and nutrient uptake. Both mulching materials contributed to increased soil organic carbon and microbial biomass due to their gradual decomposition. Weed density and biomass were markedly reduced under mulched treatments, resulting in improved plant growth.