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Research Article

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2026): Revista de Ciencias Agrícolas - May - August 2026

Effect of mulches on weed control, physiological performance, and morphology in a murta orchard

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22267/rcia.2026432.298
Submitted
June 5, 2025
Published
2026-07-16

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effect of different mulches (geotextile, oat stubble, and pine residue) on the physiological performance, morphological traits, weed suppression, and soil moisture of Ugni molinae Turcz (murta) plants in an experimental orchard located in the Ñuble Region, Chile. A randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replicates was implemented. Physiological parameters, including the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), stomatal conductance, chlorophyll index (SPAD), and leaf temperature, were measured at various times of the day. Morphological variables included plant height, stem count, and stem height. Additionally, soil moisture and weed biomass were recorded, along with multivariate analyses to evaluate variable interactions. The geotextile treatment resulted in significantly higher Fv/Fm values and reduced weed biomass by over 97%, while also maintaining greater soil moisture on key dates compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in morphological parameters. Pearson correlation analyses and Principal Component Analysis revealed strong associations between mulch temperature, soil moisture, and physiological responses. These findings suggest that geotextile mulch contributes to the optimization of physiological performance and weed control in murta cultivation, supporting its potential as a sustainable management strategy for native berry production.

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