Mulching in irrigated forage cactus promotes early harvest and improves the economic indices of the crop

Abstract

To mitigate the negative effects of climate, the use of resilient agriculture is essential. This study evaluated the impact of different levels of biotic mulch on irrigated forage cactus yield, phenology and economic indices. The ‘Orelha de Elefante Mexicana’ clone was used and subjected to four levels of biotic mulch—BM (0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha−1) in a randomised block design with four repetitions. The treatments consisted of growing forage cactus with 0, 5, 10 and 15 Mg ha−1 mulch. The experiment was carried out in a semi-arid environment in Brazil (Serra Talhada, Pernambuco State) over two successive cycles (August 2020 to August 2022). The yield, cutting time, and morphophysiological, economic and water use indicators were evaluated. There was no effect of the BM level on the final forage yield. In the first experimental cycle, the treatment with 10 Mg ha−1 BM brought the cutting time forward by 103°C day. The application of 15 Mg ha−1 BM prolonged phenophase 2, causing an increase of 236°C day in the cycle compared with the treatment with 10 Mg ha−1 BM. We concluded that mulch improved crop water and economic indicators, contributing to sustainable forage production in semiarid environments.