Mulch-based weed control strategies for enhanced sweet corn productivity

A field experiment was conducted at the AHS, Lara Green of the Vignan’s foundation for Science, Technology and Research during summer 2025. The aim is to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on soil moisture conservation, weed suppression, and yield performance of a sweet corn (Sugar 75) variety. Seven treatments were tested: T₁ – Paddy straw mulch (10 t/ha), T₂ – Rice husk mulch (10 t/ha), T₃ – Sawdust mulch (10 t/ha), T₄ – Black polythene mulch, T₅ – Dry leaves (10 t/ha), T₆ – Live mulch, and T₇ – Control (no mulch). The treatments were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) and replicated thrice. Parameters measured were weed density (No/m²), weed dry weight (g/m²), and grain yield. Results revealed that black polythene mulch (T₄) and dry leaves mulch (T₅) significantly outperformed other treatments in maintaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and improving yield.