Novel Approach to Organic Mulching from Natural-Based Solutions to Enhance Soil Health and Functional Value of Calafate Fruit

Article Horticulture

Preharvest Applications of Oxalic Acid and Salicylic Acid Increase Fruit Firmness and Polyphenolic Content in Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

Jorge Retamal-Salgado et al.

Summary: Preharvest applications of oxalic acid and salicylic acid can improve fruit firmness and phenolic compounds in blueberry, especially in the 'Stella Blue' cultivar.

HORTICULTURAE (2023)

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Article Agronomy

The organic mulches in vineyards exerted an influence on spontaneous weed cover and plant biodiversity

A. Mairata et al.

Summary: The study shows that organic mulches are an effective alternative for soil management, as they reduce the presence of weeds, improve soil integrity, increase plant diversity, and provide benefits to the ecosystem.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY (2023)

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Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Soil Microclimate and Persistence of Foodborne Pathogens Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica Newport in Soil Affected by Mulch Type

Shirley A. Micallef et al.

Summary: This study investigated the effect of mulch on the population of food-borne pathogens present in soil. The results showed that the decline rate of pathogens was slower in mulched soil, posing a risk for contamination of fresh market produce crops.

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION (2023)

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Article Plant Sciences

Effect of organic and synthetic mulches on some morpho-physiological and yield parameters of 'Zard' olive cultivar subjected to three irrigation levels in field conditions

Rahmatollah Gholami et al.

Summary: Olive trees are important crops in arid and semi-arid areas, but prolonged water stress can negatively affect their growth and fruit production. The use of water-retaining mulches, such as olive pomace and animal manure, can help mitigate the effects of drought stress and improve the quality and yield of olive trees. Natural mulches are a good solution for overcoming drought stress.

SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY (2023)

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Article Plant Sciences

Mulching broad ridges with a woven polypropylene fabric increases the growth and yield of young pear trees 'Yuluxiang' in the North China Plain

Yang Wu et al.

Summary: Compared to traditional ridging, mulching broad ridges with a woven polypropylene fabric (WPF) can reduce soil evaporation and prevent water saturation in the root zone of pear trees. From field experiments conducted in a pear orchard in North China Plain, it was found that mulching broad ridges with WPF increased soil moisture and temperature, decreased nitrogen leaching, and resulted in enhanced growth and fruit yield of young pear trees.

HORTICULTURAL PLANT JOURNAL (2023)

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Article Horticulture

Lignocellulose mulch increases the economic benefit of Chinese chestnut by suppressing weed and ameliorating soil properties

Geran Tian et al.

Summary: By using lignocellulose mulch, soil properties can be improved, weed growth and diseases can be suppressed, and the yield and quality of Chinese chestnuts can be increased, showing a significant cost-benefit advantage.

SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE (2022)

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Article Agronomy

The Use of Compost Increases Bioactive Compounds and Fruit Yield in Calafate Grown in the Central South of Chile

Fernando Pinto-Morales et al.

Summary: This study found that applying different concentrations of compost can impact the physiological, productive, and quality parameters of calafate fruit. The application of 10 Ton ha(-1) of compost (T2) resulted in optimal fruit yield and antioxidant capacity in both seasons.

AGRICULTURE-BASEL (2022)

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Article Chemistry, Applied

Shifts in the phenolic composition and aromatic profiles of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) wines are driven by different irrigation amounts in a hot climate

Nazareth Torres et al.

Summary: The study found that irrigating with 100% ETc enhances wine color and some aromas, but reduces the content of flavonoids and their profile stability. On the other hand, replacing 25% and 50% ETc irrigation improves wine color intensity, flavonoid concentration, and alters aromatic profiles.

FOOD CHEMISTRY (2022)

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Article Agronomy

Ground vegetation covers increase grape yield and must quality in Mediterranean organic vineyards despite variable effects on vine water deficit and nitrogen status

Dylan Warren Raffa et al.

Summary: In the context of a warming climate and widespread soil degradation, this study investigated the effects of different soil management practices on vine stress, grape production, and must quality in Mediterranean vineyards. The results showed that cover crop management methods had a positive impact on grape yield and quality, while the effects varied across different farms and years. The study also highlighted the importance of considering soil variability when analyzing the effects of soil management practices.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY (2022)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Effects of organic amendments and ridge-furrow mulching system on soil properties and economic benefits of wolfberry orchards on the Tibetan Plateau

Chenxiao Duan et al.

Summary: Organic amendments and ridge-furrow mulching system (RFMS) have positive effects on wolfberry cultivation on the Tibetan Plateau, improving soil moisture, soil structure, and crop production. They enhance soil physicochemical properties and increase economic benefits.

SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT (2022)

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Review Agronomy

Mulching as a Sustainable Water and Soil Saving Practice in Agriculture: A Review

Hossam S. El-Beltagi et al.

Summary: This research demonstrates that mulching can help conserve water by reducing soil water loss and erosion, enriching soil fauna, improving soil properties, and increasing nutrient availability. It emphasizes the importance of farmers choosing organic mulches over synthetic ones.

AGRONOMY-BASEL (2022)

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Article Soil Science

Traditional and cover crop-derived mulches enhance soil ecosystem services in apple orchards

Sean M. Webber et al.

Summary: Organic mulches can improve soil fertility and promote tree growth and yields; they can support a more biologically active soil community; and they can increase leaf litter decomposition and burial, reducing the risk of apple scab disease.

APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY (2022)

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Article Agronomy

Plastic mulching significantly improves soil enzyme and microbial activities without mitigating gaseous N emissions in winter wheat-summer maize rotations

Yue Li et al.

Summary: Plastic mulching is an important agricultural practice that can increase crop yield, but its effects on soil greenhouse gas emissions and soil characteristics are rarely evaluated. This field study investigated the concurrent responses of N2O emissions, NH3 volatilization, soil enzyme and microbial activities, and crop yield to plastic mulching. The results showed that plastic mulching significantly increased crop yield and soil enzyme and microbial activities, but did not mitigate N2O emissions or NH3 volatilization. These findings are important for understanding sustainable agriculture in semi-arid areas.

FIELD CROPS RESEARCH (2022)

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Article Agronomy

Variation in Physical-Chemical Parameters and Phenolic Compounds in Fruits of Four Calafate Clones

Fernando Pinto-Morales et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the effect of different harvest dates of calafate clones in the south-central zone of Chile on the polyphenolic content, antioxidant capacity, quality parameters, and fruit yield. The results showed that clone 2 harvested at 140 days after full bloom had the highest concentration of soluble solids, total polyphenol content, and anthocyanin concentration.

AGRONOMY-BASEL (2022)

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Article Soil Science

Long-term soil management practices influence the rhizosphere microbial community structure and bacterial function of hilly apple orchard soil

Bin Xie et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the influence of different soil management practices on the soil microbial community in an apple orchard in western Liaoning, China. The results showed that sawdust mulching increased fungal abundance and diversity, improving soil ecosystem stability. Biochar mulching, on the other hand, reduced fungal diversity and was unfavorable for soil stability. Black plastic film mulching reduced bacterial diversity and colonization. Overall, sawdust mulching enhanced microbial richness, diversity, altered community composition, and improved soil ecosystem stability.

APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY (2022)

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Article Horticulture

Plant Performance and Soil Microbial Responses to Irrigation Management: A Novel Study in a Calafate Orchard

Matias Betancur et al.

Summary: Irrigation at 50% ET0 can increase fruit yield and maintain fruit quality while optimizing water resources in commercial calafate orchards.

HORTICULTURAE (2022)

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Article Food Science & Technology

Native Species Facing Climate Changes: Response of Calafate Berries to Low Temperature and UV Radiation

Maria Eugenia Romero-Roman et al.

Summary: This study evaluated the physicochemical changes, antioxidant activity, and anthocyanin content of Calafate fruits in relation to UV solar radiation and air temperature, revealing correlations between these environmental factors and fruit characteristics. The results provide valuable insights for understanding the structural and physiological plasticity of Calafate in response to climate changes, beneficial for future domestication research and agri-food industrial applications.

FOODS (2021)

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Review Horticulture

Plastic mulch use in perennial fruit cropping systems - A review

Huan Zhang et al.

Summary: This review paper discusses the use of plastic mulch in perennial fruit systems, comparing non-biodegradable plastic mulches like PE and PP with soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs). The choice of plastic mulch impacts plant growth, soil environment, and pest/disease management, with mulch selection dependent on crop type, horticultural goals, climate, and production system. Researchers should continue exploring different plastic mulch options and investigate long-term impacts in perennial fruit cropping systems.

SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE (2021)

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Article Agriculture, Multidisciplinary

Permanent, undisturbed, in-row living mulch: A realistic option to replace glyphosate-dominated chemical weed control in intensive pear orchards

Andrej Pausic et al.

Summary: This study suggests establishing a permanent autoregulatory non-competitive plant community as an alternative to herbicide treatment in orchard management. The long-term development of understory communities not exposed to herbicides or mechanical weed control has limited, statistically non-significant impact on yield.

AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT (2021)

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Article Environmental Sciences

Weed cover controls soil and water losses in rainfed olive groves in Sierra de Enguera, eastern Iberian Peninsula

Artemi Cerd et al.

Summary: Alternative crop management practices, such as weed cover, have shown positive effects in reducing soil erosion and increasing soil organic matter content in olive orchards. Plantations with weed cover exhibited better soil quality and reduced water losses compared to those with traditional tillage.

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Effects of water and fertilizer coupling on the physiological characteristics and growth of rabbiteye blueberry

Xiaolan Guo et al.

Summary: The study on the impact of irrigation and fertilizer on rabbiteye blueberry physiology showed that optimal water and fertilizer conditions can enhance plant growth and photosynthesis, leading to increased productivity and quality. Such findings can improve precision and efficacy of rabbiteye blueberry planting, benefiting local fruit farmers in Guizhou, China.

PLOS ONE (2021)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology