Role of Mulching in Pest Management and Agricultural Sustainability

Preface
1. Use of Mulches in Agriculture: Introduction and Concepts Introduction Types of Mulches Implications of Use Conclusions References 2. Mulches for Weed Control Introduction Plastic Mulch for Weed Control Straw Mulch for Weed Control Agricultural Wastes and Manures for Weed Control Textile Mulch for Weed Control Other Mulches Conclusions References 3. Mulches for Pest and Disease Managment Introduction Use of Mulches for Insect Pest Management Use of Mulches for Disease Management Conclusions References 4. Mulches for Soil and Water Conservation Introduction Mechanism and Important Impact of Mulches on Soil Properties Mulches for Water Conservation Mulches for Soil Conservation Conclusions References 5. Mulches for Enhancing Biological Activities in Soil Introduction Mechanism and Importance Effect of Plastic Mulch on Biological Activities Effect of Straw Mulch on Biological Activities Other Mulches for Enhancing Biological Activities in Soil Mulches for Increasing Microbial Activities Conclusions References 6. Mulches for regulation of Soil Temperature Introduction Mechanism and Importance Plastic Mulch for Regulating Soil Temperature Straw Mulch for Regulating Soil Temperature Other Mulches for Regulating Soil Temperature Conclusions References 7. Mulches for Nutrient Addition to Soil Introduction Mechanism and Importance Stubble Mulch for Adding Nutrients to Soil Compost Mulch for Adding Nutrients to Soil Other Mulches for Adding Nutrients to Soil Conclusions References
Index