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The use of novel liquid mulching formulations (hydromulching) increases yield and quality of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) by improving soil physicochemical and biological properties
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Researchers tested three organic liquid mulching (hydromulching) formulations — rice hulls, wheat straw, and mushroom substrate — against polyethylene film and bare soil controls in artichoke cultivation, measuring soil physicochemical and biological properties alongside crop yield and head quality. Hydromulching treatments, especially rice hull cover, increased soil organic matter, organic carbon, and moisture while improving artichoke yield and quality compared to bare soil.
Abstract Purpose: We hypothesized that organic liquid mulching formulations called hydromulching can be used in sustainable agricultural production through its direct influence on soil physicochemical and biological properties to improve crop yield and quality. Methods: Artichoke plants were grown using three hydromulching treatments, rice hulls (RH), wheat straw (WS), and mushroom substrate (MS), and two control treatments, soil covered with polyethylene (PE) and bare soil (BS). Soil quality-related parameters and artichoke head physical and chemical properties were measured for each mulching treatment. Results: Soil organic matter and soil organic carbon increased in all hydromulching treatments, especially with the RH cover. Soil moisture and the contents of K + , P, Cu 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Zn 2+ enhanced in hydromulched soils, particularly in MS-covered soil. The WS treatment produced the highest crop yield, while the lowest yield was obtained in bare soil. Importantly, plant water relationships were superior in all mulching treatments giving rise to the improvement of crop yield and the most important physical quality parameters in artichoke, namely color, firmness, and size. Furthermore, the content of some important nutrient elements in artichoke (K + and N) were greater in RH and MS treatments, while sugar concentrations were higher in bare soil with respect to the other treatments. Conclusion: Hydromulching is a sustainable alternative to plastic mulching through the regulation of plant hydric status and soil moisture and fertility, thus improving yield and physical quality characteristics of artichoke heads, and maintaining their chemical and nutritional quality over bare soil.
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The use of hydromulching increases yield and quality of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) by improving soil physicochemical and biological properties
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Researchers tested three organic hydromulching treatments (rice hulls, wheat straw, mushroom substrate) against polyethylene mulching and bare soil controls in artichoke production, assessing effects on soil physicochemical properties, plant water status, and crop yield and quality. Hydromulched soils showed increased organic matter, moisture, and mineral content, with all mulching treatments improving plant water relationships and physical quality parameters compared to bare soil, supporting hydromulching as a sustainable alternative to plastic mulch.
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