Mulching effect on selected ornamental plants

Abstract: To further enhance the understanding of cultural needs and to promote efficient use of expensive water resources in ornamental plant production, it is important to conduct studies on fertilizer and irrigation requirements, identification and control of insect pest and disease and water conservation measures under local climatic conditions. The study reported in this paper was initiated in June 2002 to determine the effects of mulching on the growth and greenery impact of four proven adaptable introduced ornamental plants (Vitex agnus castus (VA), Caesalpinia mexicana (CM), Myoporum parvifolium (MP) and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO). Organic mulches (processed bark or compost) procured locally were applied to the soil surface immediately after planting. Periodic data recorded during the first year after planting indicated significant individual effects (mulches and species). However, the mulch x species interactions were not significant at P= 0.05. The processed bark was the better than compost in increasing plant height and canopy in MP and RO. However, VA plants in bark mulch had increased seedling height and larger canopies than those in unmulched plants. CM plant height was not affected by mulching but canopy increased due to surface mulching. The root zone soil moisture regimes were almost similar in all treatments