Effects of irrigation and mulching on shoot and root growth of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) and mango (Mangifera indica L.).
Gregoriou C., Kumar D. R.
Author Affiliation: University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad.
Journal of Horticultural Science 59 : 109-117
Abstract : An 8 cm-thick mulch significantly increased shoot growth of young (cv. Pollock) avocado plants in the wet and dry seasons and of young (cv. Julie) mango plants in the wet season but had little effect on the root growth (dry weight) of either species. Mulching also limited weed growth and daily fluctuations in soil temperature, conserved soil moisture, improved soil physical properties (bulk density, porosity and infiltration rate) and promoted vigorous rooting on the soil surface under the mulch. Irrigation during the dry season did not significantly increase shoot or root growth of either species but the increases due to irrigation were greater than those due to mulching.