Effect of Different Mulching Material on Growth Attributes and Yield Performance of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Kandahar, Afghanistan

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a high-value vegetable crop widely cultivated for its nutritional and economic importance. However, in semi-arid regions like Kandahar, Afghanistan, water scarcity, high temperature, and soil degradation often limit its productivity. This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of different mulching materials (black plastic, white plastic, and grass) on the growth and yield performance of sweet pepper under Kandahar’s agro-climatic conditions. The study was carried out during the 1403 growing season (2024) at the research farm of the Afghanistan National Agricultural Sciences and Technology University (ANASTU) using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications. Results indicated that black plastic mulch significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of plant height, number of branches, fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, and total yield. The highest yield (30.88 tons/ha) was recorded under black plastic mulch, followed by white plastic mulch (25.53 tons/ha) and grass (23.33 tons/ha), while the control recorded the lowest yield (19.13 tons/ha). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments for most parameters. These findings suggest that mulching, particularly with black plastic, is a viable and effective agronomic practice for improving sweet pepper production in arid environments. Adoption of such mulching techniques can enhance soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and ultimately increase crop productivity. This research provides evidence-based recommendations for farmers and agricultural stakeholders aiming to optimize sweet pepper yield under challenging climatic conditions.