Evaluating Multi-Benefit Cover Crop Management Models for Citrus Sustainable Management: A Field Study from Central
Rong-Bin Tang1,2, Li-Juan Li1,2, Yin-Hua Guo1,2
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Rare Resource Plants in Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China Three Gorges Corporation, Yichang 443100, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Cover crops in citrus orchards significantly alter soil properties and CO2 emissions, with Vicia villosa enhancing leaf traits but reducing soil nutrients. Longer-term studies are needed to assess fruit yield impacts.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Ecology
Background:
- Cover cropping is a sustainable practice in orchards, improving ecosystem services.
- Limited systematic evaluations exist for different cover crop models in citrus orchards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of various cover crop management models on soil properties, CO2 flux, leaf physiology, fruit quality, and yield in citrus orchards.
- To identify key drivers of leaf traits and assess the rapid impacts of cover cropping on orchard ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of five cover crop models (natural, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Vicia villosa, mixed) against clean tillage.
- Measurement of soil properties (water content, AN, AP, AK), soil CO2 flux, leaf physiological traits (chlorophyll, nitrogen), fruit quality, and yield.
- Application of mantel tests to determine drivers of leaf traits.
Main Results:
- Cover crop models significantly influenced soil water content, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Vicia villosa (T4) reduced available nitrogen and phosphorus but increased leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen content.
- Soil CO2 flux was highest under T4, which also exhibited the lowest soil moisture; AP and soil moisture were key drivers of leaf traits.
Conclusions:
- Cover crop management models rapidly impact soil properties and CO2 emissions in citrus orchards.
- While leaf traits are affected, significant impacts on fruit quality and yield require longer-term observation.
- This study provides evidence for soil management solutions to enhance ecosystem services in orchards globally.
