Effect of reflective mulching sheets on citrus tree growth

We compared the effects of bare ground (control) and ground covered with different reflective mulching sheets on light environment, soil temperature, and plant growth in a citrus orchard (lime and Sudachi) from 2012 to 2014. The results showed that the reflective mulch sheets altered light quantity, which was reduced in the crown over the bare ground and ground covered black mulch sheets. The crown of these cultivars grew proceeded by mulching sheets. The growth varied depending on the type of mulching sheets used and the cultivars studied. The temperature of the covered soil was warmer than that of the control soil in the spring and winter. In summary, applying mulching sheets in a citrus orchard changed the profile of the light environment inside and outside the crown, soil temperature, and the growth of the citrus trees.