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Effects of Mulches on Soil Temperature and Growth of Tea Plants in Kenya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

C. O. Othieno  and
P. M. Ahn
C. O. Othieno
Affiliation:
Tea Research Institute of East Africa, P.O. Box 91, Kericho, Kenya and Soil Science Department, University of Nairobi respectively
P. M. Ahn
Affiliation:
Tea Research Institute of East Africa, P.O. Box 91, Kericho, Kenya and Soil Science Department, University of Nairobi respectively
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Summary

Five types of mulches (black plastic, stone chippings and three types of grass) and a control were used on young clonal tea plants following transplanting. Soil temperature differences were observed in the first two years but disappeared when the tea canopy had developed to cover over 40% or more of the soil surface. Stem diameter, yield (during the first two years) and total dry matter production were positively correlated with soil temperatures over the range 14–21°C. Beneficial effects of raising soil temperature by black plastic mulch were short-lived, but the detrimental effect of reducing temperature by grass mulches was more severe and long lasting. Grass mulches induced shallow rooting, as a result of which the tea was more susceptible to drought.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 16 , Issue 3 , July 1980 , pp. 287 - 294
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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References

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