Role of mulching in pest management and agricultural sustainability
13/07/21 11:33AM
Khawar Jabran. Springer International Publishing, 2019, 72p, eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-22301-4, Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-22300-7
This book provides the concepts, techniques, and recent developments with regard to use of mulches in agriculture, utility of mulches for non-chemical pest control, and sustainability of crop production systems. Non-conventional means of improving the sustainability of crop production and pest control are required in the wake of environmental concerns over the use of conventional pesticides as well as the intensive use of land resources. Mulches have been used in agriculture for various purposes; however, there has been an increase in their use more recently, and scientists around the world have conducted more research to explore the benefits of mulching in various agricultural systems. Mulches have been found advantageous in non-chemical pest control, soil and water conservation, improving fertility, and improving microbial activities in the soil. While this is a topic of current importance, the information use of mulches in agricultural fields is rarely compiled in one comprehensive location to provide a full account of various aspects of mulches and their utility. This book will be helpful for researchers, growers, and students.

Table of contents (7 chapters):

Chapter 1: Use of Mulches in Agriculture: Introduction and Concepts

Chapter 2: Mulches for Weed Control

Chapter 3: Mulches for Insect Pest and Disease Management

Chapter 4: Mulches for Soil and Water Conservation

Chapter 5: Mulches for Enhancing Biological Activities in Soil

Chapter 6: Mulches for Regulation of Soil Temperature

Chapter 7: Mulches for Nutrient Addition to Soil