Evaluación del efecto de diferentes tipos de acolchado en el desarrollo vegetativo temprano del cultivo de maíz (DK-7508) en Malacatos, Loja, Ecuador.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of different mulching types on the early vegetative development of maize (DK-7508) in Malacatos, Loja, Ecuador. Challenges like water scarcity and weed competition, plastic mulch (T1), natural wood chip mulch (T2), and no mulch (T3) were compared using a completely randomized design with six repetitions. Measured variables included plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter. Results demonstrated that plastic mulch yielded the greatest plant height (32.20 cm) and number of leaves (6.73). Conversely, natural wood chip mulch resulted in the largest stem diameter (18.30 mm). Both mulching types outperformed the no-mulch control in these growth metrics. Despite initial costs, economic analysis indicated that mulching treatments favor agronomic growth, as improved plant performance translates to higher profits. It is concluded that mulching significantly enhances early maize development, with specific benefits depending on the material type.