Influence of various mulch types on early nursery growth under rainfed conditions of Koderma, Jharkhand

Nursery establishment in semi‑arid regions is often constrained by high evapotranspiration, poor soil moisture retention, and fluctuating temperatures. A field study was conducted in Koderma, Jharkhand, to evaluate the influence of different mulch types on early nursery growth and microclimatic modification. The experiment compared organic mulches (paddy straw, dry leaves, and farmyard manure) and inorganic mulches (black polyethylene and silver polyethylene) with a no‑mulch control. Key nursery parameters—including germination percentage, seedling height, leaf number, root length, and biomass accumulation—were recorded to assess treatment performance. Results indicated that mulching significantly improved soil moisture conservation and moderated soil temperature, leading to enhanced germination and vigorous early growth. Among the treatments, black polyethylene mulch showed the highest improvement in seedling vigor, followed by paddy straw mulch, while the control recorded the lowest growth metrics. The study highlights the potential of appropriate mulching strategies to enhance nursery performance under semi‑arid conditions and recommends the adoption of suitable mulch materials to improve early plant establishment in Koderma and similar agro‑ecological zones.