Increasing food demands by a growing human population require substantial increases in crop productivity. In rain-fed arid and semiarid areas where the water supply is limited, an increase in the precipitation use efficiency (PUE) is the key to reach this goal. This chapter examines the scientific basis of a ridge-furrow mulching system (RF system) for increasing PUE, and summarizes the effects of this system on crop performance, microclimates, soil attributes, and environmental sustainability. Studies have shown that using crop straw, plastic film, or gravel–sand materials to mulch the soil surface significantly reduces the evaporation of soil moisture, increases water availability to crop plants, and decreases soil erosion caused by wind and water. Plastic mulching increases topsoil temperature during cool spring, promoting plant growth; during hot summer, straw mulching can moderate soil temperature, preventing the topsoil from reaching temperatures that inhibit plant growth. Ridge furrows with plastic mulching on the ridges and crop straw covering the furrows channel water to the furrows, and enhance soil water infiltration and water availability to the crop. Microclimates under mulched ridges and furrows favor soil microbial activity, increase soil biodiversity, and improve environmental benefits. The effectiveness of ridge-furrow systems is reflected in increased crop yields (20–180%) compared with that of the conventional-flat planting. Although more research is required to document physiochemical strengths, technique details and potential drawbacks, and more importantly to define long-term sustainability, we strongly suggest that RF systems are an innovative approach for increasing crop water availability, improving soil productivity, and enhancing food security for arid and semiarid rain-fed areas.

Ridge-Furrow Mulching Systems—An Innovative Technique for Boosting Crop Productivity in Semiarid Rain-Fed Environments

The global temperature has been increasing over the years due to climate change that, directly or indirectly, affects water and energy consumptions in the agriculture sector. The application of mulching practices reduces soil evaporation, conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, controls soil structure and temperature, influences soil micro-organisms, and is aesthetically pleasing. This study has reviewed 189 published research papers, which described the effects of various mulching materials and methods on soil and environment that influence crop productivity. This paper describes the extent of influence of different mulching materials and methods on the hydrothermal environment of soils. It is imperative to know the processes that control soil environments under various mulching conditions and the effects of mulching materials on crop yield, productivity and water use efficiency. These issues of mulching are the prime concerns of this review study. Plastic mulching materials have a greater importance than the organic ones to control soil environment and increase crop yield. But, the organic mulching materials are inexpensive and environment friendly. The selection of an appropriate mulching material is, however, guided by crop type, crop management practices and climatic conditions. Future research is needed on the effects of low-cost biodegradable mulching materials on microclimate modifications, soil biota, soil fertility, crop growth and crop yields.

Recent advances in mulching materials and methods for modifying soil environment

Effects of plastic film mulch and tillage on maize productivity and soil parameters

Global crop yields are limited by water and nutrient availability. Soil mulching (with plastic or straw) reduces evaporation, modifies soil temperature and thereby affects crop yields. Reported effects of mulching are sometimes contradictory, likely due to differences in climatic conditions, soil characteristics, crop species, and also water and nitrogen (N) input levels. Here we report on a meta-analysis of the effects of mulching on wheat and maize, using 1310 yield observations from 74 studies conducted in 19 countries. Our results indicate that mulching significantly increased yields, WUE (yield per unit water) and NUE (yield per unit N) by up to 60%, compared with no-mulching. Effects were larger for maize than wheat, and larger for plastic mulching than straw mulching. Interestingly, plastic mulching performed better at relatively low temperature while straw mulching showed the opposite trend. Effects of mulching also tended to decrease with increasing water input. Mulching effects were not related to soil organic matter content. In conclusion, soil mulching can significantly increase maize and wheat yields, WUE and NUE, and thereby may contribute to closing the yield gap between attainable and actual yields, especially in dryland and low nutrient input agriculture. The management of soil mulching requires site-specific knowledge.

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Soil mulching significantly enhances yields and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of maize and wheat: a meta-analysis.

Effect of plastic sheet mulch, wheat straw mulch, and maize growth on water loss by evaporation in dryland areas of China

To critically assess the performance of micro and small foodpreneurs during COVID-19 pandemic in Manipur state of India, an online survey was conducted during the year 2020. The survey data was subjected to non-parametric statistical analysis using PROC NPAR1WAY and Dwass, Steel, Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparison analysis. The findings suggested that during COVID-19 pandemic, the micro and small foodpreneurs faced multifaceted challenges with respect to the number of employees, working hours, supply of raw material, selling mode, production, sale, turnover and the extent of loss, etc. The performance of different categories of foodpreneurs was compared based on the change in various performance indicators between pre-pandemic and pandemic period. The study also highlights the major problems faced by the foodpreneurs and remedial measures. This is the first report on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on foodpreneurs from North East India.

Performance of micro and small foodpreneurs in Manipur during COVID-19 pandemic

A Self Help Group (SHG) is a voluntary association of 10-20 persons from the homogeneous weaker section of the society with a common interest, formed and managed democratically without any political affiliation. As per the State Sector Report 2018, Odisha is having 6.8% of total number of SHGs with seventh rank in the country. Odisha has about 5, 30, 489 SHGs, collecting savings of 924.78 Crores with credit outstanding of 2262 Crores and 1516.6 Crores loan disbursed upto March 2018.

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Ananta Sarkar

Papers

Performance of micro and small foodpreneurs in Manipur during COVID-19 pandemic

Problems Concerning Women’s Participation and Dropout from Self Help Groups in Koraput District of Odisha, India