Effects of mulches on greenhouse gas emissions and soil microbial communities in cabbage production

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Soil Microbiology

Background:

• Plastic mulches offer agronomic benefits but their effects on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil microbial communities are not fully understood.
• Investigating the nuanced impacts of different mulch types is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of traditional and biodegradable mulches on soil properties, microbial community structure, and GHG emissions in cabbage cultivation.
• To determine the relationship between soil conditions, microbial dynamics, and GHG fluxes under different mulching treatments.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment with four treatments: no mulching (NF), traditional black mulch (FT), and two types of black biodegradable mulch (FBS, FBB).
• Quantification of soil properties (porosity, nutrients), microbial community composition (bacteria, fungi), and GHG emissions (CO₂, N₂O).
• Statistical analysis including partial least squares path modeling to elucidate causal relationships.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in cabbage yield or biomass were observed across treatments.
• Traditional mulch (FT) and biodegradable mulch (FBB) reduced CO₂ emissions; biodegradable mulch (FBB) also reduced N₂O emissions, while FT increased them.
• Biodegradable mulch improved soil porosity, ammonium, and dissolved organic nitrogen, and enhanced bacterial network complexity; traditional mulch stabilized fungal networks.

Conclusions:

• Biodegradable mulches show potential for enhancing soil health and mitigating GHG emissions in agricultural systems.
• Mulching influences soil hydrothermal conditions, nutrient cycling, and microbial communities, ultimately impacting GHG fluxes.
• Findings support the adoption of biodegradable mulches as a sustainable practice to reduce environmental impact in agriculture.