Holistic Mulch Project

The proposed project aims to compare a number of innovative mulching products and practices with a view to providing decisive insights for their adoption by applicable FRESHPPACT consortium members in their pineapple farms. The proposed project adopts a complete randomised block experiment to conduct a holistic comparison between 7 treatments i.e., 3 variations of compostable Biodolomer mulch, black polythene (currently used plastic for mulching), no mulch, compostable coconut coir-based mulch, and a compostable mulching product manufactured by CSIR South Africa. The comparison criteria include weed biomass weight (and percentage weed control efficiency (PWCE) index), overall cost of manufacturing, implementation, and removal (if applicable), fruit yield, and fruit quality traits. Additional comparisons that are deemed useful, are also outlined within this proposal. The duration of the project is 2 years.