Efficacy of Geotextile Jute Mulches on Yield, Soil Moisture Dynamics, Microbial Status in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) – capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) Cropping System

Abstract

Field experiments conducted on french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during rabi season of 2013 revealed that the biodegradable geotextile jute mulches of varying thickness (250, 300, 350, 400, 500 gsm) have significant influence on pod yield, soil moisture conservation, soil microbial population than the bare soil. The residual effect on capsicum (Capsicum annum L.) during 2014 revealed overall microbial status. From soil microbial status to yield 500 and 400 gsm mulch was found to be superior than others. Geotextile mulches could be a viable eco-friendly technology to conserve soil moisture and arrest the crop failure due to possible deficiency of soil moisture and improvement of soil health particularly in dry-land agriculture.