Mulch Inoculation and Placement Influenced Barley ( Hordeum Vulgare ) Growth and Soil Nitrate Levels

Abstract

We investigated the effect of point of mulch placem ent and use of leaf mulches from plants inoculated with rhizobia on growth, nitrogen concentration and content of barle y, and soil nitrate and pH changes. Mulches placed on soil surface enhanced barley heights and vegetative biomass in a ll leaf types used. However, nitrogen concentratio n was relatively higher in both barley vegetative plants and ears of barley grown in mixed mulches of both inoculated a nd uninoculated leaves. Mixing mulch types with soil caused a quick nitrate release within the first four weeks, which sharply dropped before week 6. Placing mulches on the soil surface resulted to a gradual nitrate release over the stud y period. Further, soil pH in all mulch treatments decreased within th e first four weeks. Results from this study indicat ed that point of mulch placement was more effective than rhizobia in oculation of mulch on barley growth, nitrogen conce ntration and content, soil nitrate and pH changes. The results f or nitrate levels revealed that it might be necessa ry for farmers to understand nitrogen requirements of crop so as to k now where to place mulches. Results on pH revealed that care should be taken when mulching crops that are sensit ive to small changes in pH.