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2025 Vol.43, Issue 1 Preview Page

Research Article

A Field Application of Fermented Eucalyptus Bark Improves Dragon Fruit Yields by Altering the Soil Environment during the Current Growing Season
Zhechao Dou1†
,
Zhiguang Chi1†
,
Chang Pan1
,
Zhuchi He1
,
Kunguang Wang1
,
Qiaofang Lu1
,
Jing MA1
,
Dongming Cui1
,
Yuanmei Zuo1*
1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Nutrient Use and Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
*Corresponding Author
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
28 February 2025. pp. 99-109
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Abstract

Proper field coverings can improve the plant growth environment and regulate plant growth. In Guangxi Autonomous Region, one of the main dragon fruit and eucalyptus production areas of China, local fruit farmers often use fermented eucalyptus bark as dragon fruit orchard field covering to reduce the need for orchard weeding. However, its impacts on the yield and quality of dragon fruit and the mechanisms of these impacts remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of the application of fermented eucalyptus bark mulch as a field covering in a dragon fruit orchard in Long’an County, Guangxi. We utilized three treatment levels in winter: clear tillage (CK1), clover planting (CK2), and mulching fermented eucalyptus bark (MFEB). We measured factors including the soil nutrient contents, humidity, and dragon fruit yield outcomes and quality levels during different growth periods to evaluate the impact of the MFEB application on dragon fruit production. The results showed that MFEB had the greatest effect on dragon fruit production. It enhanced the soil nutrient environment, increased the soil nutrient contents, and improved the dragon fruit yield compared to control treatments. Soil organic matter and soil trace element contents (particularly available copper) were crucial factors influencing the dragon fruit yield. These findings provide a scientific basis for improving dragon fruit yields in Guangxi orchards as well as a new strategy for improving resource utilization through the use of eucalyptus bark during the production of dragon fruit.

Keywords
clear tillage
clover planting
intensive planting
quality
waste resource utilization
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Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국원예학회
  • Journal Title :Horticultural Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :원예과학기술지
  • Volume : 43
  • No :1
  • Pages :99-109
  • Received Date : 2024-05-08
  • Revised Date : 2024-07-15
  • Accepted Date : 2024-07-17
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20250013
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