EFFECTS OF MULCHING ON SOIL FERTILITY, YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUES OF TAIWAN NAPIER GRASS

Haryani, H.*, Norfadzrin,F., Aswanimiyuni,A. and A. Azman

Mulching, which is the application of a covering layer of material to the soil surface could be an effective method of manipulating crop growing environment to increase yield and improve product quality by controlling weed growth, ameliorating soil temperature, conserving soil moisture, reducing soil erosion, improving soil structure and enhancing organic matter content (1). The use of surface organic mulch or straw can store more precipitation water in soil by reducing storm runoff, increasing infiltration and decreasing evaporation (2). Keeping in view of the above discussion, this trial was conducted to evaluate different types of mulch on the responses of Taiwan Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan) and soil fertility.