Effectiveness of tree leaf mulch comparing with conventional mulches on common bean at different irrigation levels: growth, yield, water use efficiency and weed infestation

The study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of Senna siamea leaf comparing with conventional mulches (rice straw and water hyacinth) on growth, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of common bean and weed infestation at different irrigation levels during the dry season. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications where three mulches and five irrigations were assigned in main and sub-plot, respectively. Irrigation water (IW)/cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) 1.0, 0.75, 0.50, 0.25 and no irrigation were the five irrigations. Senna leaf mulch maintained favourable soil environment than other mulches. Seed yield of common bean did not vary significantly between Senna leaf (1355.8 kg ha−1) and straw (1394.2 kg ha−1) mulches, but Senna leaf mulch gave significantly higher yield than water hyacinth mulch (1239.8 kg ha−1). No significant variation was recorded in TWU and WUE among mulches. Significantly lower weed infestation was observed in Senna leaf mulch (12.3 g m−2) compared to straw (26.6 g m−2) and water hyacinth (32.9 g m−2). Performance of common bean was better at higher irrigation levels. Results indicate that Senna leaf could be used as an effective mulch to conserve soil moisture and save irrigation water for common bean production.