Integrated Effects of Organic Mulch Composites and Drip Irrigation on Soil Quality, Water Conservation and Tomato Growth Under Semi‐Arid Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

In semi‐arid Mediterranean conditions, irrigation management is constrained by soil degradation and water scarcity. This exploratory study assessed, over two consecutive growing seasons (2022–2023) in the Mitidja plain, Algeria, the synergistic effects of organic mulches (wood chips, sawdust, wheat straw and a composite mixture) combined with drip irrigation on the soil properties, growth and yield of tomato. Due to the absence of true replication, the results are presented as descriptive statistics and should be interpreted as presented trends rather than statistically validated effects. The findings suggest that the composite mulch (P4A) corresponded to higher water retention, more moderate pH, more stable soil temperature and electrical conductivity, and better plant growth. P4A showed an increase in soil organic matter to 2.6% (from 1.3% in 2022) and was accompanied by water savings of 27% (first season) to 50% (second season). The yield reached 15.1 t ha −1 in 2023 under P4A, compared to 4.5 t ha −1 for the control, and the water productivity (WP) increased from 1.6 to 9.8 kg·m −3 . This research suggests that composite organic mulch generates cumulative benefits for soil water, temperature, nutrient availability and productivity, offering a potential low‐cost strategy for water savings and soil quality improvement under semi‐arid conditions.