The Effect of Wool Mulch on Plant Development in the Context of the Physical and Biological Conditions in Soil

Abstract

Mulching techniques can comprise a solution that better utilizes precipitation and irrigation water in such a manner that mitigates soil degradation and drought damage; however, there are still gaps in the literature with regard to the effect of the use of mulch materials on the development of plant–soil–microbe interactions. Waste fibers, as alternative biodegradable mulch materials, are becoming increasingly prominent. The effect of wool mulch (WM) on water use efficiency, with regard to pepper seedlings, was investigated in different soil types (sand, clay loam, peat) in a pot experiment. Two semi-field experiments were also set up to investigate the effect of WM–plant interactions on sweet pepper yields, as compared with agro textiles and straw mulches. Soil parameters (moisture, temperature, DHA, β-glucosidase enzymes, permanganate-oxidizable carbon) were measured during the growing season. The effect of WM on yield and biomass was more significant with the less frequent irrigation and the greater water-holding capacity of soils. Microbiological activity was significantly higher in the presence of plants, and because of the water retention of WM, the metabolic products of roots and the more balanced soil temperature were caused by plants. In the sandy soil, the straw mulch had a significantly better effect on microbiological parameters and yields than the agro textiles and WM. In soils with a higher water capacity, WM is a sustainable practice for improving the biological parameters and water use efficiency of soil. The effect of WM on yields cannot solely be explained by the water retention of the mulch; indeed, the development of biological activity and plant–soil–microbe interactions in the soil are also contributing factors.

Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture

“…It's crucial to examine the pH needs of plants and pick mulch appropriately. Thick amounts of organic mulch may block gas exchange, reducing oxygen supply to roots and fostering anaerobic conditions (Juhos et al, 2023).…”

More efficient nitrogen utilization through wool pellet and soil inoculation

“…good moisture retention capacity (Juhos et al, 2023). Due to the slow degradation of wool pellet, the release of N is also slower, thus aiding NO 3 − uptake as it is not leached from the soil (Bradshaw & Hagen, 2022).…”

“…In recent times, the horticultural use of wool industry by‐products as organic fertilizers has become very popular (A. Abdallah, Ugolini, Baronti, Maienza, Camilli et al., 2019). Wool pellets are rich in nutrients, especially N, and have a good moisture retention capacity (Juhos et al., 2023). Due to the slow degradation of wool pellet, the release of N is also slower, thus aiding NO 3 − uptake as it is not leached from the soil (Bradshaw & Hagen, 2022).…”

“…For example, N‐fixing bacteria and other inoculants work more efficiently with the addition of an organic substrate. In our previous studies, we mainly investigated the effect of wool mulch on plant growth through changes in physical parameters and soil biological activities in different soil types exposed to different levels of irrigation (Juhos et al., 2023). Based on this experience, soil microbiological activity on sandy soils is closely related to plant development and nutrient uptake.…”

The Responses of a Grapevine Rhizosphere System to Mulching Using Amplicon Sequencing and Transcriptomic Analysis

“…The results of various studies have shown that the relative abundances of rhizosphere microbes change under mulch treatment. Juhos et al, 2023 found that straw mulch could improve microbiological parameters when compared to wool mulch [14]. Recent findings have shown that organic mulch helps regulate soil-microbial communities in tea and litchi [15,16].…”