Yield and fruit size are under the control of many interacting factors and crop failures can be caused by climatic extremes and poor flowering. Nevertheless, this study has shown that mulching, through the creation of improved soil properties and reduced environmental stress, has the potential to substantially increase A. arguta fruit size and yield. The mulched site performed better than the site without mulch in reducing soil temperature, increasing soil moisture and controlling available phosphorus. Moreover, mulching improved both yield and fruit size. In light of this, we hope that the results of our research will provide useful information for the cultivation of A. arguta in South Korea. However, it also seems necessary to conduct research on the use of different types of mulch and on the economic profitability of mulch in the future.

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
    1. Site description
    2. Experimental design
    3. Soil sampling and analysis
    4. Determination of the growth and sugar content ofA. arguta
    5. Determination of A. arguta yield
    6. Statistical analysis
Results and Discussion
    1. Effect of mulching on soil temperature of an A.arguta field
    2. Effect of mulching on soil moisture in an A.arguta field
    3. Concentrations of available phosphorus accordingto mulching in an A. arguta field
    4. Effects of mulching on the growth and sugarcontent of A. arguta
    5. Effects of mulching on A. arguta yield
References

• Si-Young Ha(Division of Environmental Forest Science / Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University)
• Ji-Young Jung(Division of Environmental Forest Science / Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University)
• Dong-Hwan Lee(Division of Environmental Forest Science / Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University)
• Jae-Kyung Yang(Division of Environmental Forest Science / Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University) Corresponding author