Organic mulches: Impact on soil surface insects in snapdragons

Mulching by spreading organic matter around plants has been shown to have an impact on insect pests by increasing plant tolerance to insects. Also, these help in maintaining soil moisture required for plant vigor and improving soil water and nutrient status for plant growth. A field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of different kinds of mulches (pine bark, or residues of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on the soil surface insect-community. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and five replications. Two pitfall traps per plot were examined every two weeks. The number, order and family of the insects found in the traps were recorded. Soil surface insects were also sampled using other methods like wooden boards. Weed and nematode counts and plant stand were also recorded. Data will be presented on the effect of different mulches on insects in traps, weed and nematode counts, and plant stand.