Multiannual soil mulching in agriculture: analysis of biogeochemical soil processes under plastic and straw mulches in a 3-year field study in strawberry cultivation

Abstract Purpose The application of plastic mulching differs globally as well climate, soils, crops, and agricultural practices, making it difficult to generalize the reported impacts on soil. Because literature is scarce about influence soil under temperate, humid objective this study was understand how multiannual influences central parameters processes Central European cultivation conditions evaluate its impact quality in long term. Materials methods like leaching, aggregation, organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass were investigated a strawberry Southwestern Germany. field experiment compared plastic-covered ridge–furrow system with subsurface drip irrigation (PC) same straw coverage (SC) three layers (0–10, 10–30, 30–60 cm) at seven dates within 3-year period. Soil analyses comprised temperature moisture, pH, bulk density, water-stable aggregates, carbon, dissolved carbon nitrogen. Results Rainfall infiltration impeded by PC reduces moisture but neither leaching nor promotes (macro-)aggregate formation or stability; however, maintains loose friable structure surface (0–5 cm), SC. SOM accumulation shifted composition more hardly degradable SOM, especially below topsoil (10–60 cm). Furthermore, revealed no indications an increased activity accompanied enhanced decomposition due microclimate. seasonal, time- depth-dependent effects, observed some parameters, emphasize importance include them future studies for holistic process understanding. Conclusion Our showed that 3 years study. Further research advisable support our findings larger scale longer time periods across various crop types.