Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part S (2025)

A field experiment was conducted during the late Rabi season of 2024 using a Randomised Block Design with eight treatments and three replications to assess the impact of mulching on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.). Among inorganic mulches, white polythene (T₃) recorded the highest plant height (52.9 cm), number of leaves (22.62), plant spread (44.02 cm), and leaf area (231.54 cm²) at all the stages of crop growth. It also produced the maximum curd length (14.83 cm), curd diameter (15.48 cm), curd weight (550.58 g), curd volume (494.34 cc) and curd yield (20,789 kg/ha). Among organic mulches, paddy straw (T₄) performed best, being statistically comparable to white polythene for maximum parameters. Silver (T₂), black (T₁), and sawdust (T₅) mulches showed moderate improvements, while the un weeded control (T₈) recorded the lowest values. Gross, net returns and B:C ratio were also recorded higher under white polythene mulch. The study concludes that among these, white polythene mulch is best not only for its agronomic benefits but also for its economic viability. Although paddy straw mulch contributes organic matter to the soil and supports microbial activity, it requires more labour for application and decomposes quickly, limiting its reuse.