2. METHODS OF FRUIT ORCHARD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES A PRESENTATION BY MR. ALLAH DAD KHAN FORMER DG AGRICULTURE EXTENSION KP PROVINCE

14.  This is one of the important soil management practices adopted in certain countries. Crop residues like straw, cotton stalks, leaves, saw dust, pine needles, coir dust arid other materials like polythene films or certain special kinds of paper are spread in the tree basins and in inter spaces between trees. Main objective of mulching is to conserve soil moisture and to control the weed growth. The other advantages of mulching are:  1. Keeps soil cool in day; warm at night hours  2. Reduces surface run-off  3. Adds humus to the soil  4. Prevents soil erosion  5. Fruits are protected and kept clean since they fall on the mulches  6. It allows the absorption of more rain water and  7. It reduces irrigation frequency. MULCHING