Mulch - Benefits Relating to Growth and Water Conservation in Ornamental Shrubs in a Tropical Environment

Field experiments were conducted in sandy loam soil to evaluate the soil and plant water status in four shrubs under mulch and non-mulch conditions. Plants treated with mulch showed improved soil moisture status, treatments without mulch had significantly reduced growth performances in all four species tested. The plant water status, as evaluated by relative water content and leaf water potential were favourable under conditions with mulch suggesting the need for less water or reduced frequency of irrigation. Specific leaf weight and dry biomass were significantly greater when mulch was applied. Optimum soil and thermal environment with limited fluctuations were observed under conditions with mulch, even during dry periods. Therefore, it was concluded that mulching will be beneficial for the species evaluated here as it was able to maintain better soil and plant water status which led to enhanced growth.