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Different investigators have reported the usage of mulches for increasing yield in arid and semi - arid lands. Mulches used on soil surface for decreasing evaporation improve water penetration, erosion control, management of salty and semi - salty water, weed control, soil structure improvement, etc. Aim and local conditions determine the kind of mulching material. In this research, different chemical mulches (MI), manure (M2), residue (M3) and Polyethylene (M4) were used. The effect of these materials on seed cotton germination, biomass dry matter and yield of cotton (Varamin variety) as compared to control (Mo no mulch) was tested on a farm in Kashan. A randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used for biomass dry matter evaluation and for yield, assessment, a number of four replications, along with 7 and 14 days irrigation periods were employed. Germination rates for Mo, MI, M2, M3 and M4 treatments were 64, 65, 76, 57 and 72 respectively. Biomasses dry matter for Mo, MI, M2, M3 and M4 were respectively 276, 306, 426, 403, and 476 grlpot. M4 treatment (Polyethylene mulch) exhibited the most effect. There were no significant differences observed between M2 and M3 and Mo and M1 treatments. Yield mean at 7 day irrigation period for Mo, MI, M2, M3 and M4 were 700, 725, 857, 1057 and 1273 grlpot respectively. M3 exhibited the most effect with no significant difference among all treatments. Yield mean at 14 days of irrigation period for Mo, MI, M2, M3 and M4 were 535, 507, 690, 957 and 1047 grl pot respectively. There were significant differences observed between all treatments and control. Results showed that different mulches not only decrease water consumption but also meaningfully increase yield in arid and semi - arid regions.
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