Articles
Effects of mulching under different irrigation water qualities on mango in a Mediterranean environment
Article number
1468_70
Pages
547 – 554
Language
English
Abstract
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivation is rapidly expanding across the Mediterranean basin, but it is limited by water scarcity and the use of low-quality irrigation water.
In this context, it is essential to adopt management strategies that optimize water use.
This study evaluated the effect of black plastic mulch and the use of irrigation water with two different levels of electrical conductivity on soil conditions, physiological responses, and fruit quality of ‘Keitt’ mangoes over two consecutive irrigation seasons (2024-2025). The two orchards were irrigated with different water qualities: one field was irrigated with high electrical conductivity water (4000 μS cm‑1) and the other field with low electrical conductivity water (400 μS cm‑1), the latter obtained through a reverse osmosis desalination system.
In each field, mulched and unmulched soil management systems were compared.
The use of high electrical conductivity water increased soil salinity, particularly in the upper soil layers, without negatively affecting photosynthesis or stomatal conductance.
Mulching improved soil water retention and reduced salt accumulation near the soil surface.
Fruit quality remained within commercial standards under all conditions.
Overall, the results indicate that mulching can mitigate the effects of saline irrigation by improving soil conditions.
The short-term use of high electrical conductivity water for the irrigation of mango trees may therefore represent a viable option during drought periods, when freshwater availability is limited.
In this context, it is essential to adopt management strategies that optimize water use.
This study evaluated the effect of black plastic mulch and the use of irrigation water with two different levels of electrical conductivity on soil conditions, physiological responses, and fruit quality of ‘Keitt’ mangoes over two consecutive irrigation seasons (2024-2025). The two orchards were irrigated with different water qualities: one field was irrigated with high electrical conductivity water (4000 μS cm‑1) and the other field with low electrical conductivity water (400 μS cm‑1), the latter obtained through a reverse osmosis desalination system.
In each field, mulched and unmulched soil management systems were compared.
The use of high electrical conductivity water increased soil salinity, particularly in the upper soil layers, without negatively affecting photosynthesis or stomatal conductance.
Mulching improved soil water retention and reduced salt accumulation near the soil surface.
Fruit quality remained within commercial standards under all conditions.
Overall, the results indicate that mulching can mitigate the effects of saline irrigation by improving soil conditions.
The short-term use of high electrical conductivity water for the irrigation of mango trees may therefore represent a viable option during drought periods, when freshwater availability is limited.
Authors
S. Bellitti, M. Mezzano, D. Autovino, L. Franco, G. Gugliuzza, M. Iovino, V. Farina
Keywords
desalinated water, fruit quality, gas exchange, low-quality irrigation water, Mangifera indica L., mulching, soil monitoring
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