Organic Mulching: A Sustainable Technique to Improve Soil Quality

Gabriella Rossi, Claudio Beni () and Ulderico Neri
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Gabriella Rossi: Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’Economia Agraria, Centro di Ricerca Agricoltura e Ambiente, Via della Navicella 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
Claudio Beni: Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’Economia Agraria, Centro di ricerca Ingegneria e Trasformazioni Agroalimentari, Via della Pascolare 16, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
Ulderico Neri: Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’Economia Agraria, Centro di Ricerca Agricoltura e Ambiente, Via della Navicella 4, 00184 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-11

Abstract: Organic mulching is a promising technique for sustainable weed control and soil management, as it enhances crop growth, soil quality, water retention, and erosion control. This research evaluated the effects of organic mulches—wheat straw, wood chips, spray cellulose pulp, compost, and a cover crop mixture—on the physical–mechanical properties of organic garden soil transitioning to natural farming. The controlled soil received no mulch. The soil was fertilized with mature bovine manure prior to a three-year crop rotation of tomato, lettuce, and savoy cabbage. Mulching occurred after the second harrowing and before transplanting. Soil analyses were conducted to assess changes after three years. Soil organic carbon levels increased significantly in soils treated with compost, cover crops, or chipped wood mulching (6.81, 3.17, and 2.07%, respectively) compared to other treatments (1.24% in the control plot). Different kinds of mulch had a significant impact on soil’s physical–mechanical parameters. Compost, compared to the control, decreased the bulk density (from 1.22 to 0.89 Mg m −3 ), increased the infiltration rate (from 8.53 to 21.07 L m −2 ), and reduced compressive deformation (from 37.08 to 18.23%). The composition of mulch materials, specifically their nitrogen and carbon concentrations, C/N ratio, and moisture content, plays a significant role in influencing changes in soil properties.

Keywords: mulching technique; sustainable soil management; soil functional qualities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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