Effect of Different Organic Mulching Materials on Soil Properties of Na ‘7’ Aonla (emblica Officinalis Gaertn) under Rainfed Condition of Shiwalik Foothills of Himalayas India

Aonla or Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn) has become the important fruit crop of arid and semi–arid region of the country because of its hardy nature that makes it suitable to grow in varied edephoclimatic conditions of such regions. The major constraints are moisture stress and inherently poor soil fertility. The uses of mulches help to reduce water consumed (Keramat et al., 2011). The main functions that mulches provide including: weed suppression, soil water conservation, moderation of soil temperature fluctuations (daily and seasonal), increased infiltration of water droplets from precipitation or irrigation, soil protection from traffic compaction, improved soil structure for organic mulches and the slow release of nutrients. Mulches not only conserve soil moisture but also impart manifold beneficial effects, like suppression of extreme fluctuation of soil temperature and reduction of water loss through evaporation, resulting is more stored soil moisture (Shirugure et al., 2003), maintenance of soil fertility (Slathia and Paul, 2012). The requirement of water through mulch can further be reduced by using locally available organic materials as mulches which not only save irrigation water but also conserves soil moisture. Various studies have indicated that in fruit crops like apple, sapota and acid lime, mulching improves soil moisture status, growth, yield and quality of these fruits, besides reducing weed growth (Shirugure et al., 2005, Abouziena et al., 2008). Continuous ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted during 2009-2011 to assess the effected different organic mulches (Bajra straw, Maize straw, Palah leaves (Butea monosperma), Branker (Adhatoda vassica), Farmyard manure) on soil properties in NA ‘7’ aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn). Different organic mulches significantly increased the soil organic carbon and nutrients. Soil properties were highest in FYM and lowest in control. In the present study the effect of mulching type on soil characters including soil pH, EC, OC, Available N, P and K was evaluated during two years. This research was conducted as randomized block design with four replications. In this study, soil pH, OC (organic carbon), EC, N, P and K in 0 to 15 cm soil depth was measured. Results showed that effect of type of mulch on soil pH and soil EC was not significant among all the treatments, while on OC (organic carbon), N, P and K was significant in all treatments. Farmyard manure mulch recorded highest soil organic carbon (6.60 and 6.80 g kg), Soil available nitrogen (238.00 and 239 kg ha), Soil available Phosphorus (20.12and 21.00 kg ha) and Soil available Potassium (169.92 and 179.48 kg ha) in 2009 and 2010 followed by branker (Adhatoda vassica). Maize straw mulch with 0-15 cm thickness has the highest reduction of soil pH and EC in all types of mulch. FYM with 0-15 cm thickness has the highest percentage of OC, N, P and K. Farmyard manure and Branker (Adhatoda vassica) have the greatest effect on soil organic carbon and available nutrients.