Effectiveness of living mulch strategies for winter organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) production in Central and Southern Italy

Abstract

In crop rotations, cover crops planted either before or concurrent with a main crop and maintained as a living ground cover (living mulch, LM) may provide many beneficial ecosystem services, and can be defined as ‘agro-ecological service crops’ (ASC). The objective of this research was to study the suitability of burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L. var. anglona) as an LM for organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) production in a Mediterranean environment. Two LM sowing times (early sowing – sowing concurrent with cauliflower transplanting versus late sowing – 3 weeks later) compared with a no living mulch control (LM-CT) were investigated in central Italy (Experiment 1), along with a comparison between two local cauliflower cultivars and a hybrid. In Southern Italy (Experiment 2), crop performance under two LM sowing times [20 days before cauliflower transplanting versus concurrent sowing (CS)] compared with a no LM-CT , with organic fertilizers and amendments allowed in organic farming as subplots, was assessed. In Experiment 1, no competition was observed between the late-sown ASC and the cash crop. An increase in crop nitrogen (N) uptake and weed mitigation was also determined in this treatment. There was a mixed response when comparing cultivar and LM interactions, with the hybrid cultivar in the late-sown LM producing the greatest yield. In Experiment 2, weather conditions had the greatest effect on crop response. However, an inverse trend between growth of the cash crop and the LM crop was observed in the CS treatment. A positive effect of LM introduction was found, particularly in altering the competitive relationship for N between the cash crop and weeds. In addition, yield results showed that, in LM systems, commercial organic fertilizers could be replaced with locally available organic fertilizers and amendments without any yield penalty. The effectiveness of LM strategies will thus depend on several factors: type of LM, cultivar of vegetable, weather, soils, length of growing season and ability to plant the cash crop into the LM. Initial research suggests the potential for burr medic as a LM for Mediterranean winter vegetable systems, but additional research is needed to ensure the viability of LM systems for longer periods of time.

Influence of Cover Crop Termination on Ground Dwelling Arthropods in Organic Vegetable Systems

“…The inclusion of cover crops in crop rotations to break the cash crop sequence, and/or instead of a long bare fallow periods, may positively influence multiple ecosystem services. A number of studies have documented the positive effects of cover crops on yield [2], weed control [3], nutrient availability [4], soil erosion [5], and arthropod dynamics [6,7].…”

Integrated management of living mulches for weed control: A review

“…In contrast, rye seeded 10 or 20 d after broccoli transplanting did not control weeds or reduce broccoli yield. found that hairy vetch and lana vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) reduced cabbage yield when seeded 10 d after transplanting, but there was no yield penalty associated with seeding at 20 or 30 d. A delay in living mulch planting has also been reported to increase crop yield in other broccoli systems, as well as cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.), leek (Allium porrum L.), pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.; see Adamczewska-Sowińska et al 2009;Adamczewska-Sowińska and Kołota 2008;Canali et al 2015;Ciaccia et al 2017;Kloen and Altieri 1990;Kołota and Adamczewska-Sowińska 2004;Montemurro et al 2017;Müller-Schärrer et al 1992;Vanek et al 2005). Similarly, delayed living mulch planting may reduce yield losses in field crops, including corn and soybean (Brooker et al 2020;Uchino et al 2009;Vrabel et al 1980;Wivutvongvana 1973).…”

“…had better yields with an intermediate rate of poultry litter than with low or high rates or the entirely inorganic treatment. In organic systems, fertility amendments often improve main crop yield and quality in living mulch treatments as well as treatments without living mulch (Deguchi et al 2015;Fracchiolla et al 2020;Montemurro et al 2017). Antichi et al (2019) tested a lowinput organic system in Italy, including both a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) living mulch and a mixed-species dead mulch over a rotation of savoy cabbage, spring lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.…”

Environmental Sustainability Assessment of Horticultural Systems: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Approach Applied in a Case Study in Mediterranean Conditions

“…In the RC-ASC management, most of these attributes scored "high" or "medium-high", whereas in NO-ASC, the most frequent score was "medium-low". These differences were likely due to the mulching effect that occurred in the RC-ASC crop management, which can determine better weeds control [23], better N balance [28] and higher production than NO-ASC [6].…”