Abstract

SOLANO RAMOS, Rómulo Agustín et al. Mulch in water conservation and bean yield in a semi-arid area of Peru. Investig. Agrar. [online]. 2024, vol.26, n.1, pp.34-40. ISSN 2305-0683.  https://doi.org/10.18004/investig.agrar.2024.junio.2601787.

An alternative to optimize the use of rainwater in semiarid regions for crop production is the use of mulch. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of two mulch sources under two levels of use on the yield of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) var. Red Kidney and on the reduction of soil water evaporation in Canaán, Ayacucho, 2022. The experiment consisted of a 2x2 factorial trial (mulch sources: wheat and grass residues; use levels: 5 and 10 t ha-1) plus a control, in 8.75 m2 plots, under Randomized Complete Block Design. Balance evaporimeters were used to determine the relative reduction of soil water evaporation (Reas) in mulched soil with respect to unmulched soil. The results showed that water evaporation in mulched soils is significantly lower than in unmulched soils; Reas per mulch application is higher in soils mulched with grass residue than in soils mulched with wheat residue. The application of 7.5 t ha-1 allows a Reas of 69% with wheat residue and 77% with grass residue. Bean yields are also influenced by the source and levels of mulch, being up to 98% higher when using 10 t ha-1 of grass residue mulch and 49% with wheat residue.

Keywords : mulch; evaporation; Phaseolus vulgaris; semiarid; unirrigated land.

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