Organic Mulching on Carrot Yield and Quality

Mulching can affect temperature in the first 20–30 cm depth in soils. The objectives of this study were to characterize the possibility of using organic based mulches to modify carrot (Daucus carota L.), cv. Forto Royal, plant growth and determine effects on yield and quality. Mulch treatments included rice (Oriza sativa L.) hulls, sawdust (Populus deltoids Bartram ex Marshall var. deltoides) and chopped rice straw. Total yield, root weight, root length and total soluble solids for plants grown with organic mulches were better than the bare soil control. No significant differences were found in plant height, root diameter, inner and outer core diameter, root color, dry matter and ash percentage due to treatment. Although there were differences between treatments not all mulches were better than mulching with some organic materials provided some benefit to root development and yield and is recommended to promote the carrot root development