Straw Mulching Improves Soil Fertility and Productivity of Water Spinach (Ipomoea Aquatica Forsk.) Under Plastic Tunnel

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vegetable growth under plastic tunnels is a steadily growing agricultural sector but is causing environmental problems as a result of this farming system. Rice is one of the most important crops in China, and the rice straw is not only an agricultural residue, but also an important fertilizer resource. Rice straw return into the soil is a common practice in China. However, little is known about the effects of straw mulching on vegetable growth and soil quality under plastic tunnels. A two-season experiment of water spinach was carried out by plastic tunnel cultivation. The results indicated that rice straw decomposition rate was high under plastic tunnels, and rice straw supplies abundant nitrogen, phosphate, potassium and other essential nutrient elements to plants. With rice straw mulching, soil microbial growth and activity, and soil enzymatic activities were increased, and resulting in higher electrical conductivity lower redox potential. In conclusion, Soil organic matter content and soil nutrient availability were improved, and at the same time, the production of water spinach was significantly improved with rice straw mulching under plastic tunnels. Rice straw mulching under plastic tunnels could be a sustainable practice for vegetable growth, especially for aquatic vegetables.