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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Organic Mulching to Conserve Soil Nutritional Quality and Enhance Wheat Yield
ClearWheat Yield, N Use Efficiency, Soil Properties, and Soil Bacterial Community as Affected by Long-Term Straw Incorporation and Manure Under Wheat–Summer Maize Cropping System in Southern Shanxi Province, China
Researchers conducted a long-term study comparing the effects of crop straw incorporation and chicken manure application on wheat yields, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil bacterial communities in a Chinese wheat-maize rotation system. Combining both straw and manure with mineral fertilizers produced the highest wheat yields, improving them by over 114% compared to unfertilized soil. The study found that these organic amendments also enhanced soil nutrient levels and shifted the soil bacterial community in ways that support long-term agricultural sustainability.
Combining Straw Mulch with Nitrogen Fertilizer Improves Soil and Plant Physio-Chemical Attributes, Physiology, and Yield of Maize in the Semi-Arid Region of China
Researchers found that combining wheat straw mulching with nitrogen fertilization significantly improved maize yield, soil fertility, and plant physiology compared to nitrogen application alone in semi-arid conditions. The two-year field study showed that full straw mulch plus nitrogen resulted in the greatest improvements in photosynthesis, biomass, and nitrogen use efficiency.
Improvement of crop and soil management practices through mulching for enhancement of soil fertility and environmental sustainability: A review
This review examined mulching practices in agriculture as a strategy for improving soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields, while also noting that plastic mulch films generate persistent microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. The authors discussed biodegradable mulch alternatives and best management practices for reducing plastic residues.
The use of hydromulching increases yield and quality of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) by improving soil physicochemical and biological properties
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.
Enzymatic-Driven Responses of Soil Fertility and Crop Yields to Different Long-Term Organic Substitution Regimes Under Wheat–Maize Rotation
Scientists found that replacing some chemical fertilizers with organic materials like chicken manure and crop waste can maintain crop yields while making soil much healthier. The organic materials boost helpful soil enzymes that break down nutrients, creating richer soil with more carbon and nitrogen that plants can use. This approach could help farmers grow food more sustainably while reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers, which is important for long-term food security and environmental health.
Straw Strip Mulching Increases Winter Wheat Yield by Optimizing Water Consumption Characteristics in a Semi-Arid Environment
Researchers found that straw strip mulching increases winter wheat yield in semi-arid environments by optimizing water consumption characteristics, conducting two-year field experiments comparing straw mulching against plastic film and no-mulching treatments as part of efforts to develop sustainable alternatives to plastic film mulching.
Responses of soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and maize yield to straw and plastic film mulching in coastal saline-alkaline
A field experiment tested straw mulching combined with plastic film mulching in coastal saline-alkaline soils to improve soil nutrients, enzyme activity, and maize yield over 2019-2020. The combined treatment outperformed individual mulching approaches for soil organic carbon and catalase activity in the 0-20 cm layer.
Effects of Straw Mulching Thickness on the Soil Health in a Temperate Organic Vineyard
This study evaluated straw mulching at thicknesses of 0, 2, 4, and 6 centimeters in an organic vineyard in a temperate region, measuring effects on soil temperature, moisture, pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and aggregate stability. Thicker straw mulch improved soil moisture retention, increased soil organic carbon, and reduced weed pressure compared to unmulched controls.
Mitigation of the Ratio of Soil Dissolved Organic Carbon to Available Phosphorus Effectively Improves Crop Productivity under Mulching Measures on the Loess Plateau
This study investigated how different mulching measures affect soil stoichiometric ratios of dissolved organic carbon to available phosphorus in the Loess Plateau, finding that strategic mulching can mitigate nutrient imbalances and support sustainable agriculture in this erosion-prone region.
Biodegradable plastic mulch films increase yield and promote nitrogen use efficiency in organic horticulture
Researchers tested biodegradable plastic mulch films in organic lettuce production and found they increased crop yields while improving how efficiently plants used nitrogen from organic fertilizers. The biodegradable films performed comparably to conventional polyethylene mulch in weed suppression and soil warming benefits. The study suggests biodegradable mulch could be a practical tool for organic farmers, avoiding the plastic waste problem of traditional film mulches.
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
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.
Selection of Suitable Organic Amendments to Balance Agricultural Economic Benefits and Carbon Sequestration
Researchers evaluated organic soil amendments for balancing agricultural productivity with soil health, finding that amendment type and application rate affect nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and the potential for microplastic introduction via compost or sludge.
Effects of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Tomato Yield and Economic Performance
This paper is not about microplastics; it is a field trial comparing organic farming practices and soil management strategies for processing tomato cultivation.
Effects of different mulch materials on the Photosynthetic Characteristics, yield, and soil water use efficiency of Wheat in Loess tableland
A field experiment on China's Loess Plateau found that liquid mulching film improved wheat photosynthesis, grain number, and water use efficiency compared to conventional mulching. The results support liquid film as an effective technique for high-yield wheat cultivation in drought-prone regions.
Evaluating Carbon Sequestration and Soil Organic Carbon Enhancement with Innovative Slow-Release Micronutrient Products
Researchers tested innovative slow-release micronutrient fertilizers to see whether they could boost soil carbon storage while supporting wheat growth. They found that certain products increased soil organic carbon levels and improved crop yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study suggests these products could offer a dual benefit of enhancing agricultural productivity while helping to sequester carbon in soils.
Alternative Mulches for Sustainable Greenhouse Tomato Production
Researchers evaluated three mulch types — polyethylene, straw, and biodegradable biopolymers — compared to non-mulched controls in a Mediterranean greenhouse over two years of organic tomato production, measuring soil moisture, temperature, physicochemical properties, crop yield, and weed control. They found that biodegradable biopolymer mulches offered comparable agronomic performance to polyethylene while avoiding plastic residue accumulation in soil.
Use of biodegradable plastic film mulch over three years of organic horticultural production promotes yield but does not affect soil organic matter content
A three-year organic horticultural field study found that biodegradable plastic film mulch promoted crop yields but did not significantly affect soil organic matter content, suggesting that while BDM improves productivity through improved hydrothermal conditions, increased crop residue returns offset SOM losses from faster decomposition.
Straw Return with Biodegradable Film Mulch: A Synergistic Cultivation Measure with Environmental and Economic Benefits Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Researchers used life cycle assessment to evaluate straw return combined with biodegradable plastic film mulch as a cultivation strategy for Chinese farmland, comparing environmental and economic outcomes against conventional practices. The combination reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health while remaining cost-competitive.
Effects of plastic mulch film residues on wheat rhizosphere and soil properties
A pot experiment compared effects of polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch film residues on wheat rhizosphere bacteria, soil volatiles, and soil chemistry, finding significant effects from biodegradable plastic residues on rhizosphere bacterial communities and soil carbon fractions. The results suggest biodegradable plastic alternatives may have their own distinct soil impacts.
A review of applications, effects, and potential of mulching technology in agriculture
This review comprehensively examines mulching practices in agriculture — covering organic, synthetic, and living materials — and their effects on soil moisture, temperature, weed suppression, and crop yield. The authors highlight emerging biodegradable mulch alternatives as more sustainable options amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination from plastic mulch films.
Effects of different mulch materials on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and soil water use efficiency of wheat in Loess tableland
Not relevant to microplastics — this agricultural study compares different mulching materials (including plastic film) on wheat yield and water use efficiency in the Loess Plateau of China, with no focus on microplastic pollution from plastic mulch.
How Organic Mulching Influences the Soil Bacterial Community Structure and Function in Urban Forests
Researchers tested how different types of organic mulch affect the bacterial communities in urban forest soils. They found that wood chips and compost changed the soil's chemical properties and shifted the types of bacteria present, particularly those involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling. The study suggests that organic mulching could be a practical tool for improving the microbial health of urban soils.
Effect of Biodegradable Mulch and Different Synthetic Mulches on Growth and Yield of Field-Grown Small-Fruited Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
This field trial compared biodegradable and synthetic plastic mulches for tomato cultivation and found that all mulching treatments increased marketable yield by an average of 19.6%. Notably, fruits grown on biodegradable foil had the highest potassium, lycopene, and polyphenol content, suggesting biodegradable mulches can match synthetic plastic performance while reducing long-term plastic contamination of agricultural soil.
Optimized Farmland Mulching Improves Rainfed Maize Productivity by Regulating Soil Temperature and Phenology on the Loess Plateau in China
A field experiment on the Loess Plateau found that combining plastic film mulch with straw mulch regulated soil temperature and extended the grain-filling period of rainfed maize, preventing premature senescence and improving yields. The study highlights a trade-off in dryland agriculture: plastic mulch conserves moisture but overheats soil, while novel double-mulching patterns can mitigate the temperature problem while still relying on plastic film.