Effect of conventional and biodegradable mulch films on crop and soil health (common experiment) 

In India, the common experiment is set up at the farm area at the Indian Institute of Soil Science-Indian Council of Agricultural Research station in Bhopal. The first crop sown was maize (Zea mays) in July 2022 and this was followed by okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in December 2022. 

Plot layout at Bhopal with newly germinating okra plants, 8 days after sowing in November 2022. Key to plot markers: C – control plots without mulch; B – UK biodegradable mulch; S – UK conventional mulch; SI – Indian conventional mulch; R – replicate number. 

Maize plots at Bhopal at 90 days after sowing.

Further crops were sown in July 2023 (maize) and November 2023 (broad bean).