Effect of plastic film and hemp canvas mulching on soil properties, microbial diversity and lettuce yield
Résumé
Methods In greenhouse, we assessed the effects of different mulching on lettuce yields, soil properties (temperature, moisture, enzymatic activities) and the soil microbiota. We cropped lettuces either on bare soil (control), a homogeneous non-biodegradable mulch (plastic film), a biodegradable heterogeneous mulch (hemp straw) and a biodegradable and homogenous mulch (hemp canvas).
Results Plastic film increased soil temperature, decreased most enzymatic activities, and altered the soil microbiota composition. The hemp canvas decreased fungal diversity, while increasing soil moisture, laccase activity, and the abundance of specific Ascomycota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria taxa. Plastic and hemp canvas gave similar lettuce yields.
Conclusions Mulching with plastic films and hemp canvases changed soil functioning (C cycle enzymatic activities) and the soil microbiota. Although similar lettuce yields were obtained, effects of the plastic film were likely mediated by the increased soil temperature and accelerated organic matter degradation, while effects of the hemp canvas resulted from increased soil moisture and recalcitrant matter degradation, combined with the stimulation of potentially beneficial soil microorganisms.
Auteurs, date et publication :
Auteurs Samuel Jacquiod , Elodie Bouchard , Jérémie Beguet , Frédéric Roure , Nathalie Cheviron , Christian Mougin , Arnaud Coffin , Manuel Blouin , Fabrice Martin-Laurent
Publication : Plant and Soil
Date : 2025
Volume : 503
Issue : 1-2
Pages : 65-83