Current melon production typically involves laying black polyethylene mulch with drip irrigation underneath. After harvest, the same mulch is often used for a second season before removal.

The SWICP team is planning two trials at this site. The first trial will assess cover crop species for their impact on soil health and potential as an alternative to conventional mulches. These cover crops have the potential to boost soil fertility, improve structure, and suppress weeds, preparing the beds for the next melon crop.

When it comes time to terminate the cover crop, researchers will evaluate whether the resulting biomass can be used as a natural mulch or should be incorporated back into the soil to add organic matter before laying plastic again.

A second trial will test two biodegradable mulch options as possible substitutes for conventional polyethylene. If effective, these could be used in rotation with cover crops, offering growers a practical sustainable alternative.

Trial objectives

The project has three key goals:

• Identify    the cover crops best suited to improving soil health, yields, and melon      quality.
• Evaluate      biodegradable mulches for their performance in crop production and soil      health.
• Provide      growers with economic and practical insights on the influence of cover      crops and soil health on their growing system, and on reducing or      replacing conventional mulch.

Ultimately, the trial aims to help growers make informed, farm-specific decisions about adopting more sustainable practices.

Measuring impact

The research team will collect extensive data throughout the trial, including:

• Soil      health indicators such as infiltration, compaction, aggregation, and      biology
• Soil      moisture and temperature, which are critical to crop growth under mulch
• Weed      and disease pressure
• Crop yield      and quality
• The      rate of breakdown of biodegradable mulches
• Economic      analysis comparing costs and benefits of the different approaches

Timeline

The trial will begin in July 2025 with baseline soil testing, marking out trial areas, and sowing cover crops. Monitoring of cover crop growth and biodegradable mulch breakdown will continue through the season, alongside melon planting in the various treatments. Harvest assessments will be conducted in late 2025, with further crop and soil monitoring continuing into 2026.

In 2026, the project will assess cover crop residues, soil erosion, and overall soil health before another melon crop is planted. The trial will conclude with a second harvest and final analysis, including cost-benefit evaluations for growers.

The Soil Wealth ICP project remains committed to supporting the melon industry with practical solutions for improving soil health. We will continue to share updates on this project via the Soil Wealth ICP website and bulletins.

Learn more

For more information, please contact demonstration site manager Umberto Calvo on 0448 189 847 or umberto.calvo@ahr.com.aufrom Applied Horticultural Research.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and melon research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government. Project Number: MT22004

Soil Wealth ICP focuses on addressing growers' specific interests and regional issues, fostering knowledge exchange, elevating sustainability, and improving soil and crop health across the industry.