The influence of intercropping and mulching on lettuce rhizosphere microbiome
The study investigates the influence of intercropping and mulching on the lettuce rhizosphere microbiome. The field trial was conducted in summer 2023 with three btaches in succession at the Experimental Station for Special crops in Wies (Asutria). Four production systems were compared: (1) unmulched monoculture, (2) monoculture with mulching, (3) intercropping with sweet corn, broccoli and wildflowers, and (4) intercropping with sweet corn, bush beans and wildflowers. Rhizosphere was sampled at harvest and lettuce fresh weight was assessed.