This book provides the concepts, techniques, and recent developments with regard to use of mulches in agriculture, utility of mulches for non-chemical pest control, and sustainability of crop production systems. Non-conventional means of improving the sustainability of crop production and pest control are required in the wake of environmental concerns over the use of conventional pesticides as well as the intensive use of land resources. Mulches have been used in agriculture for various purposes; however, there has been an increase in their use more recently, and scientists around the world have conducted more research to explore the benefits of mulching in various agricultural systems. Mulches have been found advantageous in non-chemical pest control, soil and water conservation, improving fertility, and improving microbial activities in the soil. While this is a topic of current importance, the information use of mulches in agricultural fields is rarely compiled in one comprehensive location to provide a full account of various aspects of mulches and their utility. This book will be helpful for researchers, growers, and students.

Dr. Khawar Jabran is working as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Turkey. He is actively involved in research, teaching and scientific write-up in the discipline of agriculture. His research work is focused on increasing crop yields through improved crop management practices, and management of abiotic and biotic (particularly weeds) stresses. Main focus of his research is environment friendly weed control in major crops (rice, wheat, cotton, potato, maize, canola, sorghum etc.). Dr. Khawar Jabran has a research experience that ranges over a period of about 15 years. He has more than 150 publications that include research and review articles in peer reviewed journals, edited books, edited conference proceedings, edited special issues in the international scientific journal, papers in the conference proceeding, book chapters in the edited books and popular articles related to agriculture. His editorial roles include Academic Editor in PlosOne, member Editorial Board in Crop Protection, and Associate Editor in Weeds - Journal of the Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society, Allelopathy Journal, and Pakistan Journal of Weed Science Research.