Growth response of guava (Psidium guajava L.) seedling to mulching and soil water potential

The effects of mulching and soil water potentials on growth of guava seedlings were investigated in a greenhouse. Three mulch types of dry grass, maize cobs and a no mulch, and four soil water potentials of -0.02, -0.10, -0.30 and -0.60MPa were combined in a factorial experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Soil moisture stress levels had no significant effect on height and leaf number of guava seedlings but it significantly increased leaf area. Mulch types significantly increased leaf area, mulch types significantly influenced height and leaf number but had no significant effect on leaf area. Interaction effects between mulching and soil water potentials were not significant.