Cover cropping system and mulching can shape soil microbial status in fruit orchards

Abstract

The use of cover crop in agricultural fields has been well elucidated, especially regarding nitrogen fixation from legume crops and their function as weed protection. Furthermore, to cover crops can benefit the soil microbial community. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the benefits of mulching and cover cropping systems on soil microbial growth and activity, and their effects on plant mineral nutrition in pomelo (Citrus maxima) and macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) orchards. The treatments included: 1…