Mulching effects on the yield and quality of garlic as second crop in rice fields

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Affiliated to Horticultural Department, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. I.R.

2 Affiliated to National Rice Research Institute, Rasht, Iran. I.R.

Abstract

Plastic mulch increased minimum temperature of soil, accelerated plant height,
early growth, early yield, and bring satisfactory weed control without any
application of herbicides. This experiment was laid out on three-factorial
Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications during 2008-2010 at
the National Rice Research Institute, Rasht, Iran using three kinds of mulches
(Transparent and black PE and rice straw). Results showed that garlic total yield,
bulb ash percent, TSS, vitamin C and flavonoids content were affected by
mulching. Although mulching could improved some quality indices in garlic but no
effect on forcing was observed. Due to two years experiment and interaction
between year and mulches the usage of rice straw in rainy and cool season and
plastic mulch in low rain fall and warm season recommended increasing garlic
quality as second crop in rice field.

Keywords