National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)
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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Mulching is a foundational component of Indian natural farming, deeply rooted in traditional ecological practices and increasingly recognized for its multifaceted benefits in sustainable agriculture. By covering soil with organic materials such as straw, leaf litter, green manures, or locally sourced biomass, mulching aids in conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, regulating temperature, and enriching soil organic carbon. This practice not only supports crop growth under variable climatic conditions but also enhances microbial activity and soil biodiversity. In Indian natural farming, mulching is not an isolated technique—it operates in close synergy with indigenous bio-inputs like Jeevamrit and Bijamrut. These microbial inoculants perform more effectively when soils are mulched, as the stabilized microenvironment supports microbial proliferation and nutrient cycling. Drawing from a wide range of peer-reviewed research, empirical data, and regional farmer-led case studies, this review explores the ecological logic, practical applications, and regional adaptations of mulching across diverse agro-climatic zones in India. It also identifies key constraints in adoption, such as biomass scarcity and labor intensity, while highlighting innovative local solutions. Overall, the paper positions mulching as a linchpin in the Indian natural farming system, advocating for greater scientific attention, policy support, and integration into sustainable agriculture strategies aimed at enhancing resilience and reducing external input dependence.
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