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Hydromulch, used primarily for erosion control, is now being studied as a weed control method in perennial crops and public gardens where weed control is especially difficult; the most challenging species are perennials having powerful shoots that emerge from subterranean propagules. In a previous article, we considered rhizome sprouting capacity through three experimental hydromulches based on wheat straw (WS), rice husk (RH) and used mushroom substrate (UMS). Here, we present data for the number of emerged shoots and their biomass to test whether the mulches were able to influence outcomes affecting weed-crop competition. In addition, the mechanical resistance of these hydromulches was characterized in terms of punching stress or resistance, considering two air humidity levels and applying an artificial ageing test (AAT) to simulate an average spring rainfall for Mediterranean areas. All three mulching types were effective in reducing the weed biomass (60–85%) and RH and UMS also the number of shoots (39–64%) of the four tested weed species compared to the non-mulched control. Cyperus rotunduswas capable of generating the largest shoot number and biomass, regardless of the mulch treatment. In comparison, all three hydromulches provided a more effective control of Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum halepenseand Paspalum dilatatum. Air humidity levels did not cause consistent changes in the physical properties of the hydromulches, while all three showed a weakening after the AAT, more pronounced in UMS than in WS or RH-based mulches, which could compromise the duration of effective weed control. Field trials are envisaged to confirm the duration of the perennial weed control associated with these hydromulches.

Skeletal soils are not suitable for agriculture, and often are allocated to marginal uses such as cherry orchards for timber production. These require some agricultural practices (irrigation, soil tillage or weed control) which can contribute to the development of a hardpan. Compacted layers can adversely affect timber production, so subsoiling works are required. This study examined the effect of six years of tillage on hardpan formation in a skeletal soil by means of mechanical impedance measurements with a dynamic penetrometer cone (dynamic cone test), a method that is quick and easy to use, but can suffer from interference by stones. Mechanical impedances along the soil profile were measured in four plots differing in tillage (with or without) and drip irrigation (with or without) treatments. Exploratory data analysis together with statistical inference techniques related to linear general models were applied. The presence of a transitional layer on top of the hardpan is suggested in the non-tilled plot and soil depth that can be explored easily by roots has increased by 20 cm.

Skeletal soils are not suitable for agriculture, and often are allocated to marginal uses such as cherry orchards for timber production. These require some agricultural practices (irrigation, soil tillage or weed control) which can contribute to the development of a hardpan. Compacted layers can adversely affect timber production, so subsoiling works are required. This study examined the effect of six years of tillage on hardpan formation in a skeletal soil by means of mechanical impedance measurements with a dynamic penetrometer cone (dynamic cone test), a method that is quick and easy to use, but can suffer from interference by stones. Mechanical impedances along the soil profile were measured in four plots differing in tillage (with or without) and drip irrigation (with or without) treatments. Exploratory data analysis together with statistical inference techniques related to linear general models were applied. The presence of a transitional layer on top of the hardpan is suggested in the non-tilled plot and soil depth that can be explored easily by roots has increased by 20 cm.