Impact of organic and non-organic mulching on grape yield, quality and ecophysiological traits under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions

In view of climate change and the possibility that drought stress in vineyards will increase, applying effective soil and water conservation measures is essential, especially where irrigation water is scarce. This study, conducted between 2021 and 2023 in Adana, Çukurova, Turkey, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different organic (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., Trifolium alexandrinum L., Lathyrus sativus L. and Vicia sativa L. + Triticale sp.) and non-organic (basaltic pumice and zeolite) mulches on Black Magic grapevines under irrigation (50 % water) and nonirrigation (rainfed) conditions. The results show that limited irrigation increased grape yield, and cluster and berry parameter values. Weed-free, V. sativa+Triticale sp. and T. alexandrinum applications generally showed higher yield, and cluster and berry parameter values compared to other cover crops. Nonirrigated conditions resulted in higher total soluble solids and maturity index, but lower pH compared to limited irrigation. Leaf water potential (LWP) increased towards maturity, particularly under nonirrigated conditions, with significant differences in LWP between mulching treatments in the third year. Soil moisture was generally higher and temperature slightly lower under limited irrigation, with mulch application showing no significant effect on soil moisture and temperature. The discriminant analysis highlighted the influence of mulching materials on yield and its components, particularly under limited irrigation. Overall, organic and non-organic mulches proved to be effective in maintaining soil moisture and temperature, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides in vineyards under limited irrigation.