Impact of organic and mineral mulch on species richness and weed biomass in newly established wildflower meadows
Maria Hristova
Abstract: Creating wildflower meadows through sowing often results in weed emergence during the first year, with irrigation further encouraging annual weed germination. Mulching helps to reduce weeds, alter nutrient levels, and retain soil moisture. This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic (compost) and inorganic (sand) mulch on the number of germinated wildflower species and weed biomass over a two-year period without irrigation. A late autumn (European continental climate) sowing was performed using three wildflower mixtures. Sand and compost, each applied 75 mm thick, were used as mulching materials, with one plot left unmulched as a control. Weed biomass was measured, and species richness and abundance were assessed in the second year. Statistical analysis showed that mulch significantly influenced both species richness and weed biomass. Sand mulch proved particularly effective for establishing wildflower meadows, reducing weed growth. Initially, compost showed good results, but its effects diminished over time, leading to more weeds and reduced species richness. These findings are useful for establishing flowering meadows on soils with a high weed seedbank.
Keywords: autumn sowing; mulch; perennials; species richness; weed biomass; wildflower meadows
Citation: Hristova, M. (2024). Impact of organic and mineral mulch on species richness and weed biomass in newly established wildflower meadows. Bulgarian Journal of Soil Science Agrochemisty and Ecology, 58(4), 43-50.
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| Date published: 2024-12-19
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