Effect Of Mulch Research Articles

How Organic Mulching Influences the Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Function in Urban Forests.

Urban forest soil is often disturbed by frequent human activity. Organic mulching is effective for improving soil quality; however, the effects of organic mulching on soil bacterial communities in urban forests are still largely unexplored. This study evaluated how organic mulching changed the urban forest soil bacterial community through an incubation experiment. Four treatments were applied: (1) no organic mulch (CK); (2) wood chips alone (5 g, Mw); (3) wood compost alone (5 g, Mc); and (4) wood chips + wood compost (This mulch was divided into two layers, i.e., the upper layer of wood chips (2.5 g) and the lower layer wood compost (2.5 g, Mw+c).) We found significant differences in the soil physicochemical properties under organic mulching after incubation. Overall, organic mulching can alter soil bacterial community structure. Soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, and carbon-nitrogen ratio were the main factors affecting soil microbial community structures. Soil bacterial groups under organic mulching treatments mainly acted on the C and N cycling of functional pathways in soil. This study suggests that organic mulching could maintain the development of soil bacteria, which establishes a theoretical foundation for enhancing the microbiological environment of urban forest soils.

Plastic Mulching Effects on Cotton Seedling and Wilt Disease, Lint Yields, and Yield Components

Plastic mulching is a widely used intensive planting system for cotton production in China. For the present study, the effects of three plastic mulching treatments (i.e., NDNM: normal sowing date with no plastic mulching as a positive control, NDM: normal sowing date with plastic mulching, and LDM: sowing 7 days late with plastic mulching) were studied in the field on seedling disease, Verticillium wilt, and Fusarium wilt as well as on the lint yield in cotton from 2019 to 2020. The treatment effects were evaluated based on the disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI), seedling fresh weights, lint yields, and yield components. For all cultivars (SCRC28, SCRC21, and Jimian11), both the DIs and DSIs of the seedling disease were lower in the LDM treatment than in the NDNM and NDM treatments. The DIs and DSIs of Fusarium wilt for all the cultivars were higher in the NDNM treatment than in the NDM and LDM treatments. However, the DIs and DSIs for Verticillium wilt were lower in the NDNM treatment. Moreover, the seedling fresh weights, average lint yields, and boll numbers per square meter were all highest in the NDM treatment and lowest in the NDNM treatment. The results of this study demonstrated that the use of plastic mulching with a suitable seed sowing date would be an appropriate cultural practice for enhancing cotton production and reducing the severity of cotton seedling and Fusarium wilt disease.

Effects of Biodegradable Plastic Film Mulching on the Global Warming Potential, Carbon Footprint, and Economic Benefits of Garlic Production

This paper clarifies the farm applicability and feasibility of spreading biodegradable plastic film mulching for garlic production to ensure the green and sustainable development of the garlic industry. We set up a field trial of garlic planting with biodegradable plastic film mulching (BM) and plastic film mulching (PM), using no film mulching (CK) as the control, and measured CH4 and N2O emissions in the garlic fields. The yield-scaled global warming potential, carbon footprint, and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) were used to assess the comprehensive impact of the different treatments. Compared to the CK, film mulching significantly increased CH4 absorption, with significantly higher seasonal cumulative CH4 emissions (20.5%) in BM than PM, but significantly increased N2O emissions, with significantly lower seasonal cumulative N2O emissions (23.53%) in BM than PM. Both BM and PM improved garlic yield, with PM significantly increasing garlic yield by 18.86% compared to the CK. Moreover, film mulching significantly decreased the yield-scaled global warming potential (by 52.06% and 40.82% in PM and BM, respectively). PM had a significantly higher carbon footprint than BM. Film mulching improved NEEB by 9.29–11.78%. Considering crop yields and environmental benefits, we propose BM as an effective method for a green and efficient garlic production.

Mulching and drip irrigation to mitigate soil salinity on tomato (Lycoperscon esculentum L.) production in coastal area

Bangladesh’s coastal regions are rich in saline water resources. The majority of these resources are still not being used to their full potential. In the southern Bangladeshi region of Patuakhali, research was conducted to investigate the effects of mulching and drip irrigation on tomato yield, quality, and blossom-end rot (BER) at different soil salinity thresholds. There were four distinct treatments applied: T1= drip irrigation with polythene mulch, T2 = drip irrigation with straw mulch, T3 = drip irrigation without mulch, and T4 = standard procedure. While soil salinity was much greater in treatment T3 (1.19–8.42 dS/m) fallowed by T4 (1.23–8.63 dS/m), T1 treatments had the lowest level of salinity and the highest moisture retention during every development stage of the crops, ranging from 1.28–4.29 dS/m. Treatment T3 exhibited the highest soil salinity levels (ranging from 1.19 to 8.42 dS/m), followed by T4 with a range of 1.23 to 8.63 dS/m. In contrast, T1 treatments consistently maintained the lowest salinity levels (ranging from 1.28 to 4.29 dS/m) and the highest moisture retention throughout all stages of crop development. In terms of yield, drip irrigation with no mulch treatment (T3) provided the lowest output (13.37 t/ha), whereas polyethylene mulching treatment (T1) produced the maximum yield (46.04 t/ha). According to the study, conserving moisture in tomato fields and reducing soil salinity may both be achieved with drip irrigation combined with polythene mulch. The research suggests that employing drip irrigation in conjunction with polythene mulch could effectively preserve moisture in tomato fields and concurrently decrease soil salinity.

Effects of inorganic mulching on soil hydrothermal environment and tomato characters in the presence of unheated greenhouse cultivation

The present study was conducted by cultivating tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Provence’) using varied inorganic mulching to investigate soil hydrothermal environment and tomato characters under unheated greenhouse cultivation in the cold zone of China. A total of 6 different treatments were adopted: no mulching (control), white film mulching (white film), black film mulching (black film), the white film with hole mulching (white hole), the black film with hole mulching (black hole), and snake skin bag mulching (snake skin). Inorganic mulching treatment significantly improved soil temperature and moisture, water use efficiency, tomato yield, and reduced soil water consumption. There was no significant difference observed in the variation of daily mean soil temperature between different mulching treatments, and the variation was in the range of 1.95–2.20 °C, which was significantly lower compared with the control (3.42 °C). The daily mean soil moisture varied significantly after different mulching treatments, with the highest level achieved by snake skin (23.37%), followed by black hole (22.55%), white hole (22.08%), white film (21.48%), black film (20.12%), and control (18.78%) in descending order. According to the research results, plastic-hole mulching, which include white hole and black hole treatments, performed better in maintaining soil temperature and moisture.

Effect of Mulching as a Weed Management Strategy in Field Production of French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) in Western Kenya

There has been a 2% decrease on French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) production in Kenya due to factors such as weeds, pests and diseases and the challenge of controlling them using chemicals that result in high rejection rate or interception in the export market because of chemical residues. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different mulching materials on the growth and yield of French bean cultivars and to determine the effect of different mulching materials on weed density. Field experiments were carried out at KALRO Kitale, Trans Nzoia county Kenya. Season 1 was carried out during long rains of April and June 2021 and season two during the short rains of August and October 2021. Black polythene and grass mulch were compared with two hand weedings and no weeding in a Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replications. Data on growth and yield of French Beans were collected and subjected to ANOVA using GenStat to determine the significant differences between the treatments. The means were separated using Fisher’s Unprotected LSD at 5% significance level. Growth and yield of French Beans was significantly influenced by the treatments (p≤0.05). Plants grown under black polythene and grass mulch had the tallest height and the highest number of leaves and branches as well as number of pods and cumulative pod yield as compared to those that were hand weeded and unweeded. The highest yield of 2138 and 2597 kg/ ha was obtained under black polythene mulch in season 1 and 2 respectively. This was significantly higher than that obtained from grass mulch, hand weeding and unweeding. In conclusion polythene and grass mulch improved growth and yield of French beans and reduced weed density. It is therefore recommended that farmers should adapt mulching as a cultural weed management strategy.

Effect of Municipal Mulch and Poultry Litter Amendments on Soil and Tree Parameters of a Mature Peach Orchard in a Humid Subtropical Climate

Applying organic matter (OM) amendments in mature peach orchards with low organic matter content (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) may improve tree nutrient and water status during the growing season and enable growers to reduce synthetic fertilizer inputs. Three treatments were applied to “Juneprince” and “Scarletprince” peach trees: (1) grower standard of bare soil (GS), (2) municipal mulch (M), and (3) poultry litter with municipal mulch (PLM). Synthetic fertilizer was reduced within the M and PLM treatments each year. Soil samples were taken from under the amendments, and the nutrient and water status of the soil and trees were monitored over 3 years. Fruit yield and tree growth measurements were also recorded. Soil OM did not increase, but soil P increased in all three treatments over time. Soil Cu was reduced by adding OM amendments, while PLM increased soil Na and increased leaf K in “Scarletprince” trees. The PLM and M treatments buffered soil water compared to GS, but tree water status between treatments was largely similar. The elevated N status over time from the PLM and M treatments delayed fruit maturity and reduced cumulative yield in “Juneprince” trees. The PLM treatment increased “Scarletprince” fruit size and mass over 3 years, as well as tree size compared to GS. Covering the soil with mulch allowed for reduced synthetic fertilizer use, but further reduction of supplemental synthetic fertilizer or adjustment of amendment rates is needed to limit N and ensure desired fruit harvest windows and long-term production.

Effect of Mulching and Nutrition on Essential Oil Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Bengaluru to investigate the influence of different mulches and nutrition on essential oil yield, quality and nutrient uptake in sweet basil. The treatment combinations consisted of four different mulches viz., no mulch, black plastic, silver plastic and organic mulch (spent lemon grass) each with four different nutrient levels viz., 100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), combination of 75 percent RDF with humic acid, 75 percent RDF with microbial consortia and 75 percent RDF, humic acid and microbial consortia. Use of black plastic mulch recorded maximum essential oil content (1.13 %), yield (97.21 kg/ha), nitrogen (54.56 kg/ha), phosphorous (37.71 kg/ha) and potassium (57.85 kg/ha) uptake. Application of 75 percent RDF with humic acid resulted in maximum essential oil content (1.21 %) whereas, 75 percent RDF with humic acid and microbial consortia recorded maximum essential oil yield (79.03 kg/ha), phosphorous (24.82 kg/ha) and potassium (48.88 kg/ha) uptake. Maximum nitrogen uptake was found in plants applied with 100 percent RDF. Among interaction, maximum essential oil content (1.44 %) and yield (109.92 kg/ha) was noticed in combination of black plastic mulch with 75 percent RDF and humic acid. The highest methyl chavicol content (73.85%) was observed in plants grown on black plastic mulch along with application of 75 percent RDF and microbial consortia.

Productivity, water use efficiency and soil properties of sugarcane as influenced by trash mulching and irrigation regimes under different planting systems in sandy loam soils

IntroductionIn the era of climate change, sugarcane used to face a problem associated with water shortage due to erratic rainfall patterns and lowered water tables. Improved water use efficiency using innovative crop management strategy is needed for sustainable sugarcane production. Trash mulching with different irrigation regimes can effectively modify the plant's hydrothermal micro-environment for increasing cane yield and water productivity.MethodsKeeping this in the background, a field experiment was conducted at Sugarcane Research Institute, RPCAU, Pusa, India, from 2016–17 to 2018–19 to investigate the effects of trash mulching and irrigation regimes on sugarcane productivity, water use efficiency (WUE) and soil properties in different planting systems. The field experiment comprised 12 treatments including four planting methods viz. conventional flat planting (CF; 75 cm row spacing) with trash mulching (6 t ha−1), CF planting (75 cm row spacing) without trash mulching (6 t ha−1), paired row trench (PT) planting (30: 120 cm row spacing) with trash mulching (6 t ha−1), PT planting (30: 120 cm row spacing) without trash mulching (6 t ha−1) and three irrigation schedules consisted of irrigation water (IW); cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) ratio of 0.60, 0.80, and 1.00 was laid out in strip plot design with three replications.Results and discussionThe cane yield (103.5 t ha−1) was found significantly higher in PT planting with trash mulching over the CF planting method with or without mulching. Concerning irrigation regimes using the IW/CPE ratio, it was found that the IW/CPE of 0.6 resulted in 16.9, 13.3% higher water-use efficiency, and 37.1, 40.7% higher water productivity over those under IW/CPE of 0.8, and 1.00, respectively. Furthermore, soil parameters like soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and dehydrogenase activity were increased by 12.5, and 17.5 % due to trash mulching with trench planting as compared to those under conventional flat planting without mulching. The results suggest that planting sugarcane in paired rows and irrigation scheduling at 1.00 IW/CPE with the adoption of trash mulching practices is effective for increasing profitability by way of higher sugarcane productivity and water productivity and also in sustaining soil health.

Effects of quantitative fertilization and straw mulch on runoff nitrate- and ammonium‑nitrogen losses under natural rainfall events in purple soil sloping croplands, Southwest China

Quantitative fertilization and straw mulch play a pivotal role in regulating runoff nitrate- (NO3-N) and ammonium‑nitrogen (NH4-N) losses from sloping croplands. However, the directions and magnitudes of these effects remain largely elusive at the plot scale. This study investigated the effects of decreased and/or increased fertilizer combined with straw mulch on NO3-N and NH4-N runoff losses under different rainfall categories. Conventional fertilizer (CK), decreased fertilizer (DFT) and its combination with straw mulch (DFT + SMT), increased fertilizer (IFT) and its combination with straw mulch (IFT + SMT) were assigned at four sites with runoff plots in the purple soil sloping croplands, southwest China. Runoff depth, the concentrations and losses of total nitrogen (TN), NO3-N and NH4-N as well as NO3-N/TN and NO3-N/NH4-N molar ratios in runoff were determined in the wet season in 2019. Results showed that runoff depth significantly increased as elevated rainfall amount in the plots with straw mulch. TN concentration was significantly different among different rainfall categories for the treatments of IFT and IFT + SMT, showing 9.12–132.91% and 2.56–102.33% higher in the heavy rain than that in other rainfall events, respectively. Higher NO3-N and NH4-N concentrations were found in the treatment of IFT in the high rainfall amount. The changes in TN, NO3-N and NH4-N losses had trends similar to runoff depth, indicating that the N runoff loss was dominantly affected by the runoff rather than the concentration. NO3-N/TN and NO3-N/NH4-N were markedly higher in the light rain than that in other rainfall events, but were not differed by the varied applications of fertilizers and their combinations with straw mulch. The results suggest that NO3-N and NH4-N runoff losses are mostly affected by the rainfall rather than the quantitative fertilization and straw mulch in a short-term experimental period. Our results have great significance for identifying the effective measures to control the nitrogen runoff loss in sloping croplands.

Influence of weeding methods on rhizosphere soil and root endophytic microbial communities in tea plants.

Polyethylene mulch is a kind of inorganic mulch widely used in agriculture. The effects of plastic mulch debris on the structure of plant soil and root growth have been fully studied, but their effects on endophytic microbial communities have not been explored to a large extent. In this study, High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS region sequences were used to analyze microbial community structure and composition in rhizosphere soil and root endophytic of tea plant under three different weeding methods: polyethylene mulching, hand weeding and no weeding (CK). The results showed that the weeding methods had no significant effect on the rhizosphere and root endophytic microbial abundance, but the rhizosphere bacterial structure covered by polyethylene mulch was significantly different than hand weeding and CK. The rhizosphere fungal diversity was also significantly higher than the other two analyzed treatments. The community abundance of rhizosphere microorganisms Acidobacteria, Candidatus Rokubacteria and Aspergillus covered by polyethylene mulch decreased significantly, whereas Bradyrhizobium, Solirubrobacterales and Alphaproteobacteria increased significantly. The abundance of bacteria Ktedonobacter, Reticulibacter, Ktedonosporobacter and Dictyobacter communities covered by polyethylene mulch was significantly changed, and the abundance of Fusarium and Nitrobacteraceae was significantly increased. Rhizosphere dominant bacteria were negatively correlated with soil available nitrogen content, while dominant fungi were significantly correlated with soil pH, total nitrogen and total potassium. Polyethylene mulch forms an independent micro-ecological environment. At the same time, the soil nutrient environment was enriched by affecting the nitrogen cycle, and the composition of microbial community was affected. This study elucidated the effects of polyethylene mulch on soil microbial community in tea garden and provided a new theoretical understanding for weed management.

Effects of Tillage, Mulching and Site-Specific Nutrient Management on Soil Temperature, Flowering, Bulk Density and Soil Organic Carbon in Wheat

The effects of tillage, mulching and site-specific nutrient management on soil temperature, flowering, bulk density, and soil organic carbon in wheat” studied during rabi,2021-22, at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The experiment with 24 treatment combinations was laid out in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. The main plot treatments included six different crop establishment methods (conventional tillage without residue, conventional tillage with residue incorporation, zero tillage without residue, zero tillage with residue, permanent raised bed without residue and permanent raised bed with residue retention and sub plot treatments consist of four nutrient management options (STBR, STBR+GS, NE and NE+GS based recommendation). PRB with residue retention has 1-2ºC soil temperature higher up to 70-75 DAS and started to decline after 75 DAS till harvest. Mulching protects the crop from winter and summer stress. Maximum soil organic carbon (SOC) values (0.39%) were noted under ZT+R, which was Higher compared to CT-R after harvest the crop. Soil bulk density (BD) under ZT+R (1.28 g/cm3) was lower as compared to rest of the treatments. Number of days required to 50% flowering was (83.6 DAS) and to 75% flowering was (88.2 DAS) in PRB+R which was on par with other treatments. it was concluded that the combination of maize straw mulch, zero tillage and permanent raised beds were proved fruitful in improving soil thermal properties and soil carbon sequestration.

Effects of agrotextile mulch on the performance of different blackcurrant cultivars

Effects of agrotextile mulch on the performance of different blackcurrant cultivars

Mulch and efficient microorganisms: effects on the management of soil salinity in banana

Mulch consists of covering the surface layer of the soil with plant or organic residues, preventing moisture loss, reducing weeds, and increasing microbiological activity. Efficient microorganisms work by breaking down organic matter to store carbon, together with biochar, retaining nutrients and improving its biological capacity. The high presence of salts harms and degrades the soil structure, reducing water permeability, and causing severe issues in the root system and foliage of the plant. In this case, the research objective is to evaluate the effects of mulch and efficient microorganisms on salinity management in banana cultivation. Three treatments were performed: T1 (mulch, 10g biochar, 10g silicon); T2 (mulch, 10g biochar, 10g silicon, 10g microorganisms, 35g rooting agent); T3 (mulch, 10g biochar, 10g silicon, 10g microorganisms, 35g rooting agent, 70ml physiological regulator). T2 and T3 significantly lowered soil electrical conductivity, improving nutrient availability and percentages of functional roots in the banana crop, which has a positive impact on plant growth and development. These results highlight the importance of considering these agricultural practices to optimize banana production.

Mulching to improve sweet potato production

Sweet potato ((Ipomoea batatas L.) is a high-yielding nutritious specialty crop. There is a growing need for proactive information on sustainable production of sweet potatoes under short growing seasons. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of crop residue and synthetic mulches on the growth, yield, and quality parameters of three varieties of sweet potatoes. Three types of mulch, wheat straw (straw), white polyethylene film (white mulch), and black plastic film (black mulch), and a control (no mulch) were evaluated during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons in the south-eastern region of Kazakhstan. The vine length, meristem number, tuber per plant, and tuber weight were significantly higher under white mulch and black mulch than under straw, and the results were significantly different from the control. The total yields of sweet potato tubers under white mulch and black mulch also varied significantly among the varieties, ranging from 20.5 t/ha for Rizi 0603 to 54.5 t/ha for Xushu 25. The results of the present study will be used to develop other technological sequences for the cultivation of sweet potatoes in the south-eastern region of Kazakhstan. More research is needed to ascertain the stability of the effects of varieties, mulch treatment, and their interactions on yields and to determine other treatments and varieties with better potential to improve sweet potato yields for cultivation in Kazakhstan.

Effect of plastic mulch and strip tillage on soil hydrothermal characteristics and potato cultivation in the Bogura district of Bangladesh

AbstractFuture periods with limited water resources in Bangladesh will need the use of effective water‐saving technology, such as mulching, to increase potato production in a sustainable way. This study investigated the effect of plastic mulch on soil hydrothermal status and its consequent effect on potato production over 2 years in field experiments in Bogura, Bangladesh. We cultivated potato under four treatments: two coloured (black and blue) plastic mulches, strip tillage and no mulch. The black plastic mulch raised the soil temperature by 1.2–2.4°C in the early growth stages and by 0.4–1.2°C in the later growth stages compared to the no‐mulch treatment. This mulch raised soil moisture by 5.1–15.9% and reduced weed growth by 91% compared to no mulch. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of the soil were significantly higher under the mulching treatments compared to no mulch. When compared to the blue and no‐mulch treatments, black mulch provided 31–34% and 45–48% more tuber yield of potato, respectively, which significantly improved the economic benefits under mulching treatments. Black plastic mulch is therefore suggested as a workable adaptation approach to increase potato production under limited water resources in northern Bangladesh and elsewhere with similar agroclimatic conditions.

Agronomic management: irrigation scheduling, mulching and integrated nutrient management influences growth, yields, quality, and economics of summer groundnut in a subtropical condition of India

In changing climate scenarios, practically sound and suitable agronomic management options are of utmost need for sustainable crop production. An experiment involving three irrigation scheduling, two mulching, and four integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments was undertaken for consecutive two years at the Research Farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in a split-split plot design with three replicates. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM on the performance of summer groundnut under sub-tropical conditions. Irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM had a significant influence on growth and developmental parameters, yield attributes, yields, shelling (%), harvest index, quality parameters, and economics. Scheduling irrigation at lower cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) hugely benefited crops through increased pod yield (8.3%) haulm yield (5%), kernel yield (8.4%), oil yield (8.6%), and net returns (12.7%) over higher CPE (100 mm). The use of paddy straw mulch enhanced pod yield, haulm yield, kernel yield, oil yield, and net returns by 8.2, 3.6, 8.3, 9.0, and 13.2%, respectively as compared to dust mulch. Among INM, 75% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) adjudged significantly better and recorded higher biological yield (16%), net returns (39%), and B:C ratio (16.2%) than 100% RDN. It is concluded that scheduling irrigation at 60 mm CPE along with paddy straw mulch and 75% RDN + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) can be adopted for better yield and economics of summer groundnut under sub-tropical conditions.

Mulching as a restoration method of revegetation at ash and slag dumps of Burshtyn TPP

The study of the effect of mulching to establish vegetation cover at industrial sites is promising and relevant in terms of environmental restoration and reduction of environmental risks in the area of influence of industrial facilities. The study aims to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of mulching and sowing seed mixtures as a method of establishing vegetation cover at ash and slag dumps of thermal power plants. To conduct the study, the soil cover of ash and slag dumps was assessed, and experimental plots were laid out for mulching and sowing seed mixtures. The study revealed that ash and slag dumps ecotopes are characterised by a high concentration of pollutants, namely heavy metals, which makes it difficult for vegetation to grow there. In the course of studying the ecological features of the ecotopes and phytodiversity of the territory, a list of species of native flora for seed mixtures was proposed. Mulching was done on the experimental plots and seed mixtures were sown. Mulching has proven to be an effective method for accelerating the processes of natural regeneration of vegetation in areas affected by anthropogenic impact. The results of the study can be used in practice by ecologists, environmental organisations, and a wide range of specialists to develop and implement measures to restore the ecological balance of degraded and technologically transformed ecosystems

A Modified Version of RothC to Model the Direct and Indirect Effects of Rice Straw Mulching on Soil Carbon Dynamics, Calibrated in Two Valencian Citrus Orchards

The mulching of agricultural soils has been identified as a viable solution to sequester carbon into the soil, increase soil health, and fight desertification. This is why it is a promising solution for carbon farming in Mediterranean areas. Models are used to project the effects of agricultural practices on soil organic carbon in the future for various soil and climatic conditions, and to help policy makers and farmers assess the best way to implement carbon farming strategies. Here, we modified the widely used RothC model to include mulching practices and their direct and indirect effects on soil organic matter input, soil temperature changes, and soil hydraulic balance. We then calibrated and tested our modified RothC (RothC_MM) using the dataset collected in two field mulching experiments, and we used the tested RothC_MM to estimate the expected soil carbon sequestration due to mulching by the year 2050 for the Valencian Community (Spain). Our results show that RothC_MM improved the fit with the experimental data with respect to basic RothC; RothC_MM was able to model the effects of mulch on soil temperature and soil water content and to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) and CO2 observations taken in the field.

Evapotranspiration and potential water saving effect evaluation of mulched maize fields in China

To alleviate the contradiction between crop evapotranspiration (ET) and available water resources, and to develop agricultural production, mulched irrigation, as a water saving technology, is popularized in arid areas of China. However, the observations of ET in long-term mulched farmlands are scarce, so the inter-annual variation and controlling factors of ET after mulching remain uncertain, and the overall water saving effect of mulching in arid areas has not been quantified. Therefore, we conducted the observation experiments (2007–2021) on a mulched maize field, applied the modified Shuttleworth-Wallace model and obtained multi-source data statistics to fill in the gaps in the previous research. The results showed that the mean ET in the past 15 years was 521.68 mm, and the arid areas faced more severe water demand pressure. The inter-annual ET trend of the mulched maize field increased significantly, mainly caused by the reference evapotranspiration (ET0), while the inter-annual fluctuation was mainly attributed to the crop coefficient (Kc). The contribution of plant transpiration (Tr) to ET was always greater than that of soil evaporation (Es), and the contribution of solar radiation (Rs) to ET was the largest among environmental factors. In addition, based on observation data and model simulation, it was revealed that the water saving amount and ratio of the long-term mulched maize field were estimated to be 83.8 mm and 13.3 %, respectively. Furthermore, the statistical results from 49 sites in five provinces (regions) in Northwest China showed that compared with the agricultural water use in the recent 10 years, the mean annual total potential water saving amount and ratio of the mulched maize field were 2.2 billion m3 and 2.5 %, respectively. Our study will provide important guidance for understanding the variation of crop ET and water resources allocation.