The effect of application plant mulches on weeds control of fig (Ficus carica) orchards in Estahban region

To study the effect of different types of plant mulch and their thicknesses on weeds control of fig (Ficus carica) orchards, an experiment was performed in a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Estahban region of Fars province, Iran in 2018, where factors were non-living mulch in three levels (Almond shell, Wheat straw and Licorice residues) and mulch thickness in four levels (Control, 5, 10 and 15 cm). The results indicated that mulches can significantly reduce weeds density and growth (dry and wet weight) in compare to control treatment. Application of Licorice residues better than other treatments controlled the growth and density of weeds in fig. Among the levels of different mulch thickness, 10 cm thick mulch, in addition to minimize soil moisture loss, resulted to reduce the biological yield of weeds. In general, non-living mulches can be an effective agronomic management to control the weeds in fig orchards.