Mulching Materials Research Articles

Mulching Improves the Soil Hydrothermal Environment, Soil Aggregate Content, and Potato Yield in Dry Farmland

Mulching could effectively improve the soil hydrothermal environment, improve changes in the soil structure, increase entropy, and conserve soil moisture to solve the problem of grain reduction caused by perennial drought in Northwest China. Thus, a two-growing-season field experiment (2020–2021) with five treatments (PM1, biodegradable plastic film mulching; PM2, plastic film mulching; SM1, straw strip mulching; SM2, crushed corn straw full mulching; and CK, no mulching as the control) was conducted to investigate the effects of different mulching materials on the soil hydrothermal environment, soil aggregate distribution, stability, and tuber yield of rainfed potato farmland in Northwest China. Over two growing seasons, mulching planting, on average, increased (p < 0.05) the soil moisture at the 0–200 cm depth by 9.0% relative to CK (SM2 (11.6%) > SM1 (10.3%) > PM2 (8.6%) > PM1 (7.0%)). The mulching treatments significantly regulated the soil temperature during the whole growth period, in which plastic mulching significantly increased the soil temperature of the 0–25 cm soil depth during the whole growth period by 2.1 °C (PM2 (2.1 °C) > PM1 (2.0 °C)); meanwhile, straw mulching significantly reduced the soil temperature by 1.4 °C (SM2 (0.9 °C) > SM1 (0.6 °C)). All mulching treatments improved the soil macroaggregate content and soil aggregate stability in all soil depths from 0 to 40 cm, with increases of 31.4% and 27.1% in the mean weight diameter (MWD) and 22.6% and 21.2% in the geometric mean diameter (GWD) compared with CK, respectively. Straw and plastic mulching significantly increased the fresh tuber yield by 12.5% and 12.6% compared with CK, respectively. The increases were greatest in SM2 and PM2. Crushed corn straw full mulching is difficult to sow and harvest; therefore, straw strip mulching could improve the soil hydrothermal environment, increase production, and provide an environmentally friendly technology for dryland potato production.

Review Article on Agro Textile- "The Future of Farming"

Agro textiles are one of the twelve categories of technical textiles, primarily utilized in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and aquaculture. These textiles have been used in agriculture for thousands of years, providing effective crop protection throughout their entire life cycle. The current agro textiles market is mainly comprised of polyolefin and petrochemical-based products. Agro textiles are innovative products that are specially designed for the agricultural applications and practices. With the increase in population worldwide, stress on agricultural crops has increased.[2] As agriculture and horticulture look toward the future, they are adopting various technologies to enhance overall yield and product quality. Agro textiles such as sunscreens, bird nets, wind shields, mulch mats, hail protection nets, and harvesting nets are employed to achieve these objectives.

Characteristics of Soil Respiration and Organic Carbon Mineralization in Dryland Potato Fields Under Different Ridge-furrow Mulching Patterns

Exploring the response mechanism of soil respiration rate to hydrothermal factors and organic carbon mineralization under different ridge-furrow mulching modes is of high importance for the development of the regional carbon cycle and assessment of its ecological benefits. An experimental study was carried out in 2020 in a dry-crop potato field in the mountainous area of southern Ningxia by setting three furrow-ridge ratios [60 cm∶30 cm （R1）, 60 cm∶45 cm （R2）, and 60 cm∶60 cm （R3）] combined with three mulching modes [ridge covered with ordinary plastic film, furrow covered with straw （DJ）, degradable water-permeable plastic film （DS）, and no mulching （DB） in furrows, respectively]. The soil hydrothermal factors, respiration rate, organic carbon content, and mineralization characteristics of potatoes during the reproductive period under different mulching modes were investigated with plain mulching without mulching （CK） as the control. The results showed that different furrow-ridge ratios combined with the mulching mode could significantly increase the soil water storage capacity in the 0-60 cm layer, and the R3DJ treatment had a better effect, with a significant increase of 24.99% compared with that in CK. The R2 treatment had the best effect of increasing temperature during the whole life cycle of the potato. The DS treatment had the effect of increasing temperature, and the DJ treatment had the effect of decreasing temperature under different mulching materials. Different furrow and ridge cover patterns could significantly increase the average soil respiration rate during the reproductive period, and the R3DS treatment was the most significant among the different furrow and ridge cover patterns, with a significant increase of 24.71% compared with that in the CK treatment. The soil organic carbon content in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm layers at harvest time was higher in the R2 and R1 ridges, respectively, and higher in the DB and DS treatments for different mulching materials. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate declined rapidly in the early stage of cultivation and then slowly declined and leveled off in the middle and late stages, which was highest in the R3 treatment for the three types of ridge ratios and highest in the DS treatment for different mulching materials. The fitting equations of soil respiration rate with soil hydrothermal factors during the reproductive period revealed that the synergistic effect of soil hydrothermal dual factors on soil respiration was higher than that of a soil hydrothermal single factor and that the quadratic hydrothermal dual factors could well explain 86.4% to 99.9% of the soil respiration. Correlation analysis showed that the average soil respiration rate during the whole life span of the potato was highly significantly and positively correlated with the average soil temperature in the 0-25 cm layer and the average soil organic carbon mineralization rate in the 0-40 cm layer, and the soil temperature was highly significantly and positively correlated with the organic carbon mineralization rate. The furrow-ridge ratio combined with the mulching mode was shown to improve the soil hydrothermal environment and increase the rate of organic carbon mineralization, thus affecting the soil respiration rate, with a furrow-ridge ratio of 60 cm∶45 cm or 60 cm∶60 cm under the ridge mulching mulch ditch covering biodegradable seepage mulch mode being more effective.

Optimizing Soil Moisture, Mulching, and Spacing for Yield and Water Productivity in Irrigated Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

Aims: To standardize crop spacing and irrigation requirements under different mulching situation for better yield and water productivity. Study Design: The experiment was designed in RBD with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Station, Kerala Agriculture University (KAU), Chalakudy for three consecutive years from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019. Methodology: Study conducted with 18 treatments, includes three levels of irrigation, three types of mulching and with two different crop spacing. Observations on weed count and weed dry matter production were also taken to study the effect of different mulches on weed growth. Biometric observations of crop growth and yield were recorded. Results: Observations on biometric characters revealed that both the height and diameter of the crop canopy were significantly influenced by mulching and found to be highest in the plot where leaf was used as the mulching material and the yield of Amorphophallus during 2016 - 2017 showed that corm weight was greatly influenced by irrigation levels, mulching and spacing. Corm yield was lowest in the plot where irrigation frequency was once in three days (21.02 t/ha). Yield in leaf mulched plot was 38.11 t/ha while in plastic mulched and no mulched plots were 23.50 and 19.50 t/ha. Effect of treatments on water productivity and BC ratio showed that leaf mulching of the crop has significant effect. In leaf mulched plot, water productivity in 2016-17 was 2.03 while it was only 1.854 and 0.886 in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Similarly, BC ratio was highest for leaf mulched plot followed by no mulch and plastic mulch plot. Conclusion: The experimental results from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019, showed that Amorphophallus planted at a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm, irrigated at a frequency of once in three days along with leaf mulching can increase the yield and water productivity along with effective control of weed population.

Off-season production of Bell Pepper (Capsicum anuum, L.) as influenced by soil enhancers and mulching materials

In a study focused on off-season bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) production, 1,152 seedlings were sown, transplanted, and distributed across 48 plots measuring 4.4 sq.m. Each plot accommodated 24 seedlings, and meticulous care and observation were maintained throughout the study. Employing a 2x4 factorial design, this investigation aimed to assess the influence of soil enhancers and mulching materials on bell pepper cultivation. The data analysis was conducted using the analysis of variance in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with mean comparisons facilitated through Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The treatments consisted of two factors: Factor A involved soil enhancers, with Treatment A1 as the control, A2 as carabao manure, A3 as goat manure, and A4 as chicken manure. Factor B encompassed mulching materials, including B1 (control), B2 (rice hull), B3 (rice straw), and B4 (plastic mulching). The study's findings highlighted the substantial impact of soil enhancers, particularly chicken manure, on the vegetative growth phase of bell pepper. Furthermore, the combined application of soil enhancers and mulching materials, as well as individual applications, significantly affected the development of fruiting branches, with chicken manure particularly influencing the diameter of bell pepper fruits. In summation, the research suggests that the utilization of soil enhancers, especially chicken manure, constitutes a promising approach to enhance bell pepper vegetative growth during off-season production.

Effects of Mulching and Flaming on Weed Control and Almond Growth in a Newly Established Almond Orchard

This study was conducted in a newly established (2-year-old) almond orchard to investigate the effects of five different mulching materials (woven and nonwoven fabric, black and white polyethylene, almond shell) and flame treatments applied at two different frequencies (FL20 and FL30) on weed control and almond growth compared with those of conventional herbicide (glyphosate) application and weedy control. Thus, this study included nine different treatments. The impacts of these treatments on weed density and coverage were periodically monitored. Additionally, the biomass of the weeds was measured at the end of the season to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Because the almond orchard was not yet in the economic fruit-bearing stage, the effects of the treatments were examined in terms of parameters that characterize almond growth, such as plant height, trunk diameter, shoot length, and shoot thickness. The chlorophyll content and water potential values of the trees were also determined. The results of this two-season study indicated that synthetic mulches provided the best outcomes in terms of weed control and almond growth. No weed emergence was observed throughout the season in any of the synthetic mulch treatments. Although almond shells used as organic mulch were highly effective for blocking sunlight, they failed to prevent the growth of some vigorously growing perennials such as Cynodon dactylon and Sorghum halepense that emerged from gaps. Flame treatments demonstrated rapid and effective results; however, they were less successful against the aforementioned monocot perennial weeds and required frequent repetition because of the lack of residual effects. Glyphosate, an herbicide that is commonly used in conventional orcharding, was applied five times throughout the experiment and proved effective weed management compared with that of the weedy control. However, considering the increasing herbicide resistance, environmental and health issues, and growing interest in organic almond cultivation, synthetic mulch applications have emerged as good options. Despite the initially higher establishment costs, synthetic mulches effectively controlled weeds and reduced water stress, thereby promoting almond tree growth.

Weed smothering efficiency of mulching types on groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) productivity in the dry savanna region of Nigeria

In order to increase groundnut productivity, a field experiment was carried out in the dry season of 2020 to assess the effectiveness of various mulching materials at suppressing weeds. The experimental treatments comprised of five mulching types; Control (no mulch), transparent polythene mulch, black polythene mulch, rice straw mulch and saw dust mulch) and three groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 23, SAMNUT 24 and SAMNUT 26). These were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. Findings revealed that mulching had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on crop qualities including canopy cover, chlorophyll content, pod yield, 100 kernel weight, and groundnut kernel yield as well as weed attributes like weed cover scores, weed density, weed dry weight, and weed control efficiency in both BUK and Wasai, respectively. The weed compositions were further grouped into various families comprising Poaceae (11), Euphorbiaceae (3), Amaranthaceae (4), Asteraceae (3), Cyperaceae (2), Cucurbitaceae, and Aizoaceae, each having one species with a different level of occurrence across the two locations. On the other hand, SAMNUT 26 significantly produced higher pod (2798 & 2119) and kernel yields (1198 & 1191), although SAMNUT 23 produced a heavier 100 kernel weight (55.51 & 54.52) at BUK and Wasai, respectively. In comparison to the other mulching types, applying black polythene mulch or transparent mulch lowered weed density and dry weight by limiting the amount of sunlight that the weeds got, preventing them from growing. Therefore, for dry season production of groundnut in the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria, mulching with black or transparent polythene film using the SAMNUT 26 variety was found to be effective in conserving soil moisture for optimum crop growth and development, while on the other hand, weed populations were suppressed.

Investigating the influence of eco-friendly approaches on saline soil traits and growth of common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Soil salinization significantly impacts agricultural lands and crop productivity in the study area. Moreover, freshwater scarcity poses a significant obstacle to soil reclamation and agricultural production. Therefore, eco-friendly strategies must be adopted for agro-ecosystem sustainability under these conditions. A study conducted in 2022 and 2023 examined the interaction effects of various soil mulching materials (unmulched, white plastic, rice straw, and sawdust) and chitosan foliar spray application (control, 250 mg L-1 of normal chitosan, 125 mg L-1 of nano chitosan, and 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan) on the biochemical soil characteristics and productivity of common beans in clay-saline soil. Higher organic matter, available nutrient content, and total bacteria count in soils were found under organic mulching treatments (rice straw and sawdust). In contrast, the white plastic mulching treatment resulted in the lowest values of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and the highest soil water content. Conversely, chitosan foliar spray treatments had the least impact on the chemical properties of the soil. Plants sprayed with 62.5 mg L-1 of nano chitosan exhibited higher chlorophyll content, plant height, fresh weight of shoots and roots, seed yield, and nutrient content compared to other chitosan foliar spray applications. All treatments studied led to a significant reduction in fungal communities and Na% in plants. The combined effect of organic mulch materials and foliar spray application of 62.5 mg L-1 nano chitosan appeared to enhance biochemical saline soil properties and common bean productivity.

Development of nonwoven mulch mats from textile waste and its performance assessment on for chilli crop

Development of nonwoven mulch mats from textile waste and its performance assessment on for chilli crop

Development and Evaluation of Biodegradable Weed Control Mulch Mats from End-of-Use Cotton Waste

This research used end-of-use cotton apparel to develop mulch mats, a type of agrotextiles. The researchers collected and sorted end-of-use garments to obtain cotton textile waste. These end-of-use garments were deconstructed to obtain shredded textiles and big pieces of textiles. Using the textiles from deconstructed end-of-use garments, together with a small amount of new cotton fibers, the researchers used a Feltloom to develop needle-punched nonwoven fabrics that can be used as mulch mats. The researchers tested textile properties of these mulch mats and conducted agricultural field tests for weed control and pot tests for biodegradation. The researchers also tested the mulch mats’ soil moisture infiltration, and impact on water evaporation. The nonwoven mulch mats made from end-of-use garments have excellent weed inhibition capability and biodegradability. Compared to plastic mulch sheet, the nonwoven mulch mats are better for water utilization in rainfall watering and sprinkle irrigation but poorer in water conservation in drip irrigation. Considering durability, biodegradability, and soil temperature regulation, it is recommended to use 100% cotton and felt four times to produce mulch mats from end-of-use garments.

Biodegradable composite hydromulches for sustainable organic horticulture

Surface-applied mulches help retain soil moisture and optimize soil temperature while preventing weed growth and benefiting many horticultural crops. The most common mulch material is low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is typically landfilled, buried, or burned at the end of growing season causing negative environmental impacts. The goal of this research was to develop soil-biodegradable, liquid-applied (i.e., hydromulch) alternatives to LDPE mulch and optimize formulations that are acceptable for organic horticulture. Hydromulch (HM) treatments contained mixtures of paper pulp, wood fiber, or hemp hurds (Cannabis sativa L.) combined with various tackifiers and water. The tackifiers were guar gum (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.), psyllium husk (Plantago ovata L.), and camelina meal (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), included at various proportions. Hydromulch samples were tested for physical properties (density, water holding capacity, C:N ratio, soil adhesion) and mechanical properties (tensile strength, puncture resistance). Hydromulches containing no tackifiers were included as controls to determine if the addition of tackifiers resulted in enhanced mechanical properties. The results showed addition of 6 % guar gum tackifier improved the tensile strength and puncture resistance by 182 % and 91 % respectively compared to control sample, and HM formulations containing paper were 200 % or more stronger than those containing wood or hemp hurds. Increased tackifier proportion was found to improve most mechanical properties, with guar gum performing best. Blending of tackifiers resulted in an interaction that decreased strength. Hydromulches containing wood fiber and hemp hurds did not show promising results. Paper in HM formulations helped to reduce mulch porosity and improved adhesion to soil. Results from the study provide a foundation on optimal formulations for expanded trials at field-scale.

Sensitivity of rainfed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to mulch material and plant spacing in drought-prone tropical soils

Mulch regulates soil hydrothermal regime while suppressing weed growth, effects of which may depend on mulch material and/or similar to that of closed crop canopy. Combined use of organic or inorganic material as surface mulch and appropriate plant spacing may produce synergistic agronomic effects in water-stressed environments. This study evaluated the sensitivity of rainfed okra to mulch-spacing variants in droughty derived-savannah soils. With dry-grass mulch (DGM) and sawdust mulch (SDM) representing organic mulch material and black polythene (BPM) as inorganic/plastic, treatments were factorial combinations of surface-applied DGM, SDM and BPM with close (60 cm × 30 cm), intermediate (60 cm × 45 cm) and wide (60 cm × 60 cm) spacings. Crop growth/performance and fruit yield data were collected. Mulch material affected okra growth (with overall better results in BPM than SDM), but not flowering/fruiting and fruit yield. For plant spacing, sum of weights of pods and fruit yield were higher in close than intermediate and wide spacings, with fruit yields as 2.42, 1.21 and 0.76 t ha-1, respectively. Mulch-spacing interaction effects showed that BPM with close spacing gave the highest values for stem girth 8 weeks after sowing (SDM treatments gave the lowest), sum of weights of pods and fruit yield (2.93 t ha-1). Fruit yield, however, depended not on stem girth but on certain okra yield attributes. The BPM or, where not feasible, either of DGM and SDM, could be effectively combined with close spacing to improve okra productivity in droughty soils of the derived savannah.

Evaluation of a Biodegradable and Sprayable Mulch Material for Weed Control in Vineyards and Orchards

Evaluation of a Biodegradable and Sprayable Mulch Material for Weed Control in Vineyards and Orchards

Mulching with Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Compost Has Beneficial Side Effects on Vineyard Soil Compared to Mulching with Synthetic Films

Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost represents a sustainable alternative to plastic film for mulching in viticulture. This study investigated the effects of MSW compost on vineyard soil properties, specifically focusing on side effects such as soil temperature and microbial decomposition activity, independently from its role in weed control. The experiment was conducted in a vineyard located in the Mediterranean region (Southern Italy), with six different mulching treatments: black polyethylene (PE) film, black and white biodegradable film, three different amounts of MSW compost (8, 15, and 22 kg plant−1), and a control without mulching. Weed growth was monitored to determine the optimal compost application amount. The 15 kg plant−1 treatment was selected for further analyses, as it did not significantly impact weed growth compared to the control. Results indicated that MSW compost mulching maintained lower soil temperatures compared to other treatments (up to 5 °C in the warmest hours) and reduced the amplitude of the thermal wave up to 50% compared to the non-mulched soil and even more compared to black film mulched soil, particularly during the warmest periods. This suggests that MSW compost can mitigate heat stress on plant roots, potentially enhancing plant resilience and preserving crop production also in stressful growing conditions. Microbial decomposition activity, assessed using the tea bag index, was higher in the MSW compost treatment during spring compared to the control, indicating temperature as a key driver for organic matter decomposition, but this effect disappeared during summer. These findings highlight the potential of MSW compost to support sustainable viticulture by reducing reliance on synthetic mulching materials and promoting environmental sustainability through the recycling of organic municipal waste.

The efficiency of different mulch types and dose applications on runoff, soil, and nutrient losses under simulated rainfall

AbstractMulching is one of the best management practices used in soil and water conservation studies. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of different mulch types and doses on runoff coefficient (Rc), soil loss (Er), sediment concentration (Sc), time to ponding (tp), runoff generation time (tr), percolated (pw) and retained (rw) water and total losses of nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+), total nitrogen (TN), phosphate‐phosphorus (PO43−), and total organic carbon (TOC) under simulated rainfall in the laboratory. Three different mulch materials (dry weed, peanut hay, and wheat straw) were applied at four different doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha) on the experimental plots. A simulated rainfall intensity of 97 mm/s was applied for an hour. All mulch types and doses reduced Rc, and the most effective reduction was found in 2 t/ha dry weed mulch applied plots. The most effective application for reducing soil loss was 6 t/ha peanut hay mulch. The most effective application for delaying the ponding time and runoff generation time was the 4 t/ha application of wheat straw mulch. The highest pw and rw were found in 6 t/ha and 4 t/ha doses of dry weed mulch applications, respectively. The most effective application for reducing NH4+ losses was found in 4 t/ha wheat straw application plots. The most effective mulch type and dose for reducing NO3− loss was 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch. The lowest TN loss was found in the plots where 6 t/ha of peanut hay mulch was applied. In terms of PO43− losses, the lowest loss was in 6 t/ha of dry weed mulch plots. The lowest TOC loss was at 4 t/ha of straw mulch applications. Mulching can be a good natural‐based solution for reducing soil, water, and nutrient loss. However, different mulch types and doses should be tested for different environmental conditions to determine the most cost‐effective mulch type and dose.

Development of a Biodegradable Ternary Blend of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Polyhydroxybutyrate Functionalized with Triacetin for Agricultural Mulch Applications.

The development of biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the nontoxic and biodegradable polymers that can be used as mulching film. However, a major drawback of PVA is its moisture sensitivity, which limits its applications. In this study, a biocomposite based on PVA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), plasticized with triacetin, was developed by solvent casting method. The biocomposite film exhibited good mechanical properties, better integrity, reduced transmittance, and light-blocking properties, which can prevent weed growth. Additionally, an improvement in surface characteristics was observed, as demonstrated by the shift in contact angle from 44 to 99° and a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 4.82 to 2.31 g/h m2. For agronomic application, the developed films were experimentally applied as mulch for maize plants in pots. The results were positive, showing that the mulches effectively supported the growth of the maize plants. Further, signs of initial degradation were observed after 5 days, and the film reached a degradation level of 50-55% after 30 days under natural conditions. Thus, this work has provided new insights for expanding the application range of PVA films in biobased mulching materials.

Agricultural performance of biomaterials mulch based on nitrosamine-free natural rubber

Natural rubber mulching material is generally more environmentally friendly than conventional mulch. Artificial straw and mulch derived from natural rubber latex (NRL) with no nitrosamines present were used as sustainable alternatives to substitute for conventional materials such as rice straw and polyethylene plastic. A real-time recorded field study employed the Internet of things with tracking devices and sensors to monitor the growth and quality of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) over a 50-day period. The results of the study highlight the superior efficiency of artificial straw, showcasing enhanced growth and quality. The NRL mulch contained a nanocellulose (CNC) filler and was vulcanized at room temperature. The addition of 3 parts CNC per hundred rubber significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of the NRL formulation, particularly its tensile (22.13 ± 2.26 MPa) and tear strengths (39.13 ± 4.58 N/mm). The NRL mulch was demonstrated to promote plant growth and increase yield. It was developed to ensure the safety of agricultural products and to support environmental conservation.

Plasticulture film coextruded with essential oils: sustainable protection of salad crops

ABSTRACT Plasticulture has revolutionised Farming production. In salad cultivation, the snail is the main pest that can cause significant economic losses. The present study focuses on the design of a new industrial mulching material co-extruded separately with three essential oils: cade, turmeric and cumin oil. Experimental tests carried out on a pilot system confirmed the repellent effect against this mollusc and the protection of lettuce weight loss by about 30%. Adhesion tests by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrate anti-adhesion properties of 80% when bioactive oils are incorporated into the industrial formulation of the plastic film. Application of the predictive theoretical approach confirms that the adhesion scores cannot be explained by the total adhesion energy and total hydrophobicity energy. This proves that these effects are the result of bioactive activity. This research work offers an innovative, practical and ecologically responsible alternative to protect lettuce crops against nuisances and pests.

Mulching Practices Improve Soil Moisture and Enzyme Activity in Drylands, Increasing Potato Yield

Mulch is an important measure for improving agricultural productivity in many semiarid regions of the world. However, the impacts of various mulching materials on soil hydrothermal characteristics, enzyme activity, and potato yield in fields have not been comprehensively explored. Thus, a two-growing-season field experiment (2020–2021) with four treatments (SSM, straw strip mulching; PMP, plastic film mulching with large ridge; PMF, double ridge-furrow with full film mulching; and CK, no mulching with conventional planting as the control) was conducted to analyze soil hydrothermal and soil enzyme activities and potato yield on the semiarid Loess Plateau of Northwest China. The results indicated that mulching practices had a positive effect on the soil moisture, with SSM, PMP, and PMF increasing by 7.3%, 9.2%, and 9.2%, respectively, compared to CK. Plastic film mulching significantly increased the soil temperature by 1.3 °C, and straw mulching reduced the soil temperature by 0.7 °C in the 0–30 cm soil layers of the whole growth period. On average, SSM, PMP, and PMF increased soil urease activity in 0–40 cm soil layers by 14.2%, 2.8%, and 2.7%, respectively, and enhanced soil sucrase activity by 19.2%, 8.6%, and 5.7%, respectively, compared with CK. Plastic film mulching increased soil catalase activity by 9.6%, while SSM decreased by 10.1%. Mulching treatments significantly increased tuber yield and water use efficiency based on dry tuber yield (WUE), and SSM, PMP, and PMF increased tuber yield by 18.6%, 31.9%, and 29.7%, enhanced WUE by 50%, 50%, and 57.0% over CK. The correlation analysis revealed that soil moisture was the main factor influencing tuber yield (r = 0.95**). Mulching could improve the soil hydrothermal environment, regulate soil enzyme activities, and promote yield increase. As a sustainable protective mulching measure, straw strip mulching is conducive to improving the ecological environment of farmland and the sustainable development of regional organic agriculture.

Effects of Water Irrigation Methods Combined with Mulching Materials on the Growth and Yield of Allium chinense on Acid Sulfate Soil

Background: To determine the optimal water irrigation method combined with covering material for Allium chinense growth and yield on acid sulfate soil. Methods: The field experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, which include four treatments, each with four replications. The plot size was 83.3 m2 (19.6 m in length, 4.25 m in width). Treatments were flooding irrigation combined with rice straw covering (FI-RS), flooding irrigation combined with Eleocharis dulcis covering (FI-ED, control), spray irrigation combined with rice straw covering (SI-RS) and spray irrigation combined with Eleocharis dulcis covering (SI-ED). Result: Experimental results showed that Allium chinense planted on the treatment of SI increased clump height (47.2 cm) and weight of bulb (4.38 g), gave the highest yield of 40.9 t ha-1 and increased up to 25.9% in comparison to planted in conventional method (control). The spray irrigation method was more suitable than the flooding irrigation method for growing Allium chinense. Vitamin C content in bulbs was not changed under different water irrigation methods combined with mulching materials.