The use of novel liquid mulching formulations (hydromulching) increases yield and quality of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) by improving soil physicochemical and biological properties

Abstract Purpose: We hypothesized that organic liquid mulching formulations called hydromulching can be used in sustainable agricultural production through its direct influence on soil physicochemical and biological properties to improve crop yield and quality. Methods: Artichoke plants were grown using three hydromulching treatments, rice hulls (RH), wheat straw (WS), and mushroom substrate (MS), and two control treatments, soil covered with polyethylene (PE) and bare soil (BS). Soil quality-related parameters and artichoke head physical and chemical properties were measured for each mulching treatment.Results: Soil organic matter and soil organic carbon increased in all hydromulching treatments, especially with the RH cover. Soil moisture and the contents of K+, P, Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ enhanced in hydromulched soils, particularly in MS-covered soil. The WS treatment produced the highest crop yield, while the lowest yield was obtained in bare soil. Importantly, plant water relationships were superior in all mulching treatments giving rise to the improvement of crop yield and the most important physical quality parameters in artichoke, namely color, firmness, and size. Furthermore, the content of some important nutrient elements in artichoke (K+ and N) were greater in RH and MS treatments, while sugar concentrations were higher in bare soil with respect to the other treatments. Conclusion: Hydromulching is a sustainable alternative to plastic mulching through the regulation of plant hydric status and soil moisture and fertility, thus improving yield and physical quality characteristics of artichoke heads, and maintaining their chemical and nutritional quality over bare soil.