Effects of different mulching practices on soil properties and soil microbial communities in tomato production.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Agricultural mulches are commonly used for their benefits, however, the mechanisms by which they affect microbial communities to mediate soil properties that influence tomato growth remain unclear.

Methods

A three-year experiment was conducted comparing four treatments: plastic film mulching alone (SBF), straw mulching alone (SM), film-straw dual mulching (SBFSF), and no mulching (CK). Their effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and tomato growth were systematically evaluated.

Results

All mulching treatments significantly increased tomato yield, with SBF, SM, and SBFSF demonstrating improvement of 32.87%, 22.17%, and 50.17%, respectively. SBFSF exhibited the greatest dry matter weight (shoot plus root), root length, and root surface area 40 d

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12912733 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature