Anping Deng

1 Zhejiang Mitsuo Seed Co., Ltd, Hangzhou 314023, Zhejiang, China
2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou 310021, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2026, Vol. 17, No. 3   
Received: 11 Apr., 2026    Accepted: 16 May, 2026    Published: 31 May, 2026

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Organic mulching is increasingly recognized as an effective soil management practice for enhancing soil health and promoting sustainable tomato production. In tomato cultivation systems, particularly under intensive and continuous cropping conditions, organic mulches can modify the soil microenvironment, regulate moisture and temperature dynamics, and provide a continuous source of organic matter that supports biological activity in the rhizosphere. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of organic mulching on soil biological functions and tomato productivity. Special emphasis is placed on changes in rhizosphere microbial communities, including microbial biomass, diversity, and the abundance of beneficial microorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion. The influence of mulching on soil enzyme activities associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus transformations is also examined, together with its role in enhancing nutrient availability and fertilizer-use efficiency. Furthermore, the review discusses how organic mulching affects soil food webs and suppresses soil-borne pathogens through biological regulation and improved microbial interactions. These biological responses contribute to increased soil organic matter accumulation, improved soil structure and water retention, enhanced root development, and greater ecosystem stability. Consequently, organic mulching can improve tomato growth, marketable yield, and fruit quality attributes such as soluble solids, vitamin C, and lycopene content. A case study from tomato-based production systems is included to demonstrate the practical benefits and limitations of different mulching strategies. Future research should focus on long-term field experiments, rhizosphere microbiome engineering, and integrated soil management approaches to optimize the biological functions of mulched soils and support resilient tomato production systems.

Organic mulching; Tomato rhizosphere; Soil microbial communities; Soil-borne disease suppression; Tomato yield and fruit quality