2025, VOL. 11 ISSUE 2, PART L
Use of charcoal and sawdust mulches in home gardening for enhancing grape vine growth
Author(s): Maria Lopez, Carlos Rivera and Patricia Müller
Abstract:
The use of mulches in home gardening has gained significant attention as a means to enhance plant growth by modifying the microenvironment around the plants. This research investigates the application of charcoal and sawdust mulches in promoting the growth of grapevines, particularly focusing on their impact on vegetative growth parameters such as leaf area, stem diameter, and root length. Grape vines (Vitis vinifera) are commonly grown in home gardens, and the improvement of their growth can result in increased yield and better fruit quality. Mulching, a traditional gardening practice, helps in conserving soil moisture, controlling weeds, and improving soil structure. While organic mulches such as sawdust have been widely studied, the use of charcoal as a mulch material is relatively underexplored. This research compares the effects of charcoal and sawdust mulches on grape vine growth, aiming to determine which material is more effective under different environmental conditions. The research also investigates the potential interactions between mulches and the application of growth regulators, specifically salicylic acid, to enhance grape vine growth. The results of this research could provide valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices for home gardeners, particularly those cultivating grapevines in areas with limited resources.
