Resende et al. (2026) On-Site Recycling of Coconut Leaves as Mulch Modifies Soil Hydrothermal Dynamics in Semiarid Coconut Orchards

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Identification

• Journal: Agricultural Research
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-22
• Authors: Ronaldo Souza Resende, Joézio L. dos Anjos, Fernando L. D. Cintra, Tulio S. Lima, MARCELO F. FERNANDES
• DOI: 10.1007/s40003-026-01033-y

Research Groups

• Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC)
• Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)

Short Summary

This study investigates the effects of using senescent coconut leaves as mulch on soil hydrothermal conditions and irrigation water use in semiarid coconut orchards. The results show that optimal mulch levels can improve soil water conservation and moderate soil temperature.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of coconut leaf mulching on soil thermal and water regimes in semiarid coconut orchards

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Field-scale experiment in a semiarid coconut orchard in Brazil
• Temporal Scale: Long-term study (duration not specified)

Methodology and Data

• Models used: None mentioned
• Data sources: In-situ measurements of soil temperature, moisture, and irrigation water use

Main Results

• Mulching reduced diurnal soil temperature amplitude and delayed peak heating, particularly in surface layers.
• Interception of irrigation water by the mulch layer was substantial, averaging 48%, 54%, and 60% for 15, 30, and 45 leaves, respectively.
• Intermediate mulch levels maintained the largest proportion of the soil profile within the optimal moisture range (0.15–0.22 cm³ cm⁻³).
• Soil water depletion was markedly lower under mulch (4.2 mm day⁻¹) than in bare soil (7.9 mm day⁻¹).

Contributions

This study provides original insights into the effects of coconut leaf mulching on soil hydrothermal conditions and irrigation water use in semiarid coconut orchards, highlighting the importance of optimizing mulch levels to balance water conservation and effective soil wetting.

Funding

• This research was funded by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) under grant number 141351/2018-5.

Citation

@article{Resende2026OnSite,
  author = {Resende, Ronaldo Souza and Anjos, Joézio L. dos and Cintra, Fernando L. D. and Lima, Tulio S. and FERNANDES, MARCELO F.},
  title = {On-Site Recycling of Coconut Leaves as Mulch Modifies Soil Hydrothermal Dynamics in Semiarid Coconut Orchards},
  journal = {Agricultural Research},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1007/s40003-026-01033-y},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s40003-026-01033-y}
}