To study the effects of living and non-living mulches on soil chemical properties in apple trees, a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight treatments and three replications was implemented. Soybean, clover, alfalfa and mungbean mulches incurred a significant increase in soil organic carbon (SOC). In addition, leguminous plants mulches incurred a significant increase in available total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in the topsoil. Application of treatments caused a significant decrease in soil salinity. The salt reduction can be due to salts absorption by the cover crop in cover crops and due to an increased leaching process and reduction of evaporation in plastic mulch. Green mulches improved physicochemical, biological properties and rhizosphere soil quality by increasing organic soil matters and nutrient availability.
