Standard organic farming production practices for specialty crops frequently involve the use of polyethylene plastic mulch or mechanical soil disturbance to reduce weed competition and enhance crop yields. Although successful, these practices come with environmental consequences, including soil pollution and loss of soil organic matter. As such, alternative methods that prioritize the long-term health of the soil and minimize environmental impact are needed. We performed a field experiment to assess and compare the influence of five soil management systems on soil characteristics, weed pressure and yield in globe artichokes production. Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) seedling cvs. Tavor were established on raised beds as: A) intercropped with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) as living mulch, or B) intercropped with crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) as living mulch, or C) transplanted into mixture of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) cover crop residue or D) intercropped with Kurapia (Lippia Nodifera L.) as living mulch, or E) transplanted in PE plastic mulch. Results show that white clover increased soil organic matter (SOM), soil potassium and manganese content, water extractable carbon, soil respiration (CO2), soil nitrate, ammonium and total soil nitrogen compared to plastic mulch at 360 DAS (Days After Seeding). White clover weed suppression ability did not differ from crimson clover and buckwheat/pea mixture. Crimson clover increased SOM at preharvest sampling. Both clovers decreased artichokes yield per plant when compared to plastic mulch. Kurapia increased soil sodium content compared to plastic. Cover crop/reduce tillage system increased SOM at 120 DAS compared to plastic. Due to biomass decomposition, the suppression ability of this mixture decreased over time. Plastic mulch increased copper and iron soil concentration. Artichoke yield from plants grown on plastic mulch had comparable bud weight and yield to buckwheat/pea mixture and Kurapia. The potential to enhance soil nitrogen and carbon levels over a longer period of white clover makes it a valuable choice in systems aiming to improve soil fertility. Crimson clover emerges as the most promising among the clovers, exhibiting less competition compared to white clover, effective weed control, and, although the yield is lower than that achieved with plastic mulch, it maintains a well-balanced crop load. The reduced tillage system has shown promising results, successfully managing weeds adequately and allowing for a satisfactory level of production. No detrimental impact on yield were found intercropping artichokes with Kurapia and, but its effect on soil health was limited.
