Effects of biodegradable mulch films in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) performance: On-station trials

Abstract

Different types of mulches have varied levels of efficiency. This study compared effects of using biodegradable mulch films (BMF) in common beans production compared with selected types of dead mulches used in Tanzania. Two different experiments in four replications were conducted using completely randomized block design on-station at SUA. In the first experiment, the treatments were BMF, pimento grass, maize straw and control. In the second experiment the treatments were BMF, butterfly pea, maize husks, and control. Crop performance indicators including germination, number of leaves, plant height and number of pods were recorded weekly using 9 representative plants in each plot. Number of weeds were counted physically weekly using quadrant method. Dry grain yield was also recorded in each experiment. The data were analysed for the effects of treatments to experimental units using ANOVA at 5% significance level. Results from the first experiment showed that BMF performed significantly better than other tested mulches in yield, weed control, branching, number of leaves, and number of pods. BMF did not do well in seed germination and plant height. Results from the second experiment showed that BMF had significantly better performance in terms of number of pods, grain bean yield, weed infestation control, plant height and number of branches. These initial results on use of industrial BMF calls for further research which may lead to promotion of use of these environmentally friendlier mulch films as compared to very slowly degradable plastic mulch films currently used in some farming systems in Tanzania.