Mulching interventions in strawberry: Influence on soil temperature, moisture conservation and pest dynamics

One of India's most significant soft fruits is the strawberry. Mulching is regarded as the most important strawberry production technique since it helps maintain the delicate fruit clean, reduce weeds, control soil temperature, and preserve soil moisture. Mulching has been promoted as a successful strategy for retaining soil moisture. It functions as an insulating layer that prevents evaporation from the soil's surface and the strawberry's exposure to sunlight. Mulching is a horticultural and agricultural technique that involves the use of synthetic materials (paper, polyethylene, wax-coated papers, aluminium and steel foils, etc.) and organic materials (plant residues—straw, hay, groundnut hulls, leaves, compost, peat, wood products—sawdust, and animal manures) with or without shallow tillage in order to increase soil productivity. Organic mulches increase soil nitrogen, recycle nutrients, decrease erosion, and function as slow-release fertilisers as they break down, all of which benefit the environment. Mulches made of polyethylene plastic are also essential for strawberries because they control soil temperature, prevent evaporation, keep fruits clean, and prevent weeds and pests. Utilising organic and plastic mulches improves soil hydrothermal conditions, moisture availability, fruit quality, and growth duration while preventing crop damage, which ultimately results in increased strawberry yield. This literature review examines the benefits of using organic and polyethylene plastic mulches in strawberry cultivation.