scholarly journals The Effects of Black and White Plastic Mulch on Soil Temperature and Yield of Crisphead Lettuce in Southern New England

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 781-788
Author(s):  
Rahmatallah Gheshm ◽  
Rebecca Nelson Brown
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Southern New England ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Head Height ◽  
Canopy Size

Annually, Americans consume an average of 24.5 lb of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) per capita, more than half of which is head lettuce. This study examined the impacts of using black and white-on-black polyethylene mulches on three crisphead lettuce cultivars for spring production in the open field, with data collected on the soil temperature and lettuce yields. Black polyethylene, white-on-black polyethylene, and bare ground were compared for effects on soil temperature, lettuce yields, and lettuce head height and diameter. Mean soil temperatures at a 5 cm depth were 18.9 °C under black polyethylene, 17.7 °C under white-on-black polyethylene, and 17.1 °C in bare ground plots. Changes in the lettuce canopy size presented a similar trend over the growing season in all treatments. Both mulch type and cultivar significantly (P < 0.01) affected the canopy growth in head lettuce. Lettuce on black polyethylene mulch grew significantly (P < 0.01) faster than lettuce on white-on-black polyethylene or bare ground. However, the black and white-on-black mulches produced similar yields, averaging 5.76 and 5.71 kg·mˉ2, respectively. Meanwhile, bare ground plot yields were significantly (P < 0.01) lower at 4.57 kg·mˉ2. Cultivar rank order was consistent across treatments, and Crispino and Garmsir at 5.82 and 5.47 kg·mˉ2 fresh weight had significantly higher yields than Nevada at 4.75 kg·mˉ2 (P < 0.01).

scholarly journals Compost and Black Polyethylene Mulches Improve Spring Production of Romaine Lettuce in Southern New England

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-518
Author(s):  
Rahmatallah Gheshm ◽  
Rebecca Nelson Brown
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Romaine Lettuce ◽  
Ground Treatment ◽  
Southern New England ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Leaf Mulch ◽  
Lettuce Growth ◽  
Canopy Size

Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is the most popular leafy vegetable in the United States. Organic and synthetic mulch materials are applied by farmers to reduce their weeding expenditures, manage soil temperatures, and increase the yield and quality of their crops. This study examined the impacts of using black polyethylene, compost, and shredded leaves as surface mulches in spring open field romaine lettuce by using data regarding the soil temperature, lettuce growth, and yield parameters. Mulch treatments were compared to determine effects on soil temperature, lettuce growth rates, leaf area index (LAI), yield, and plant size. Experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2019. Soil temperatures were slightly (but significantly) warmer in 2019, the plants grew more rapidly, and LAI, yield, and plant size were all significantly greater than they were in 2017. Mean soil temperatures were 18.0 and 18.9 °C in black polyethylene mulched plots, 17.7 and 18.5 °C in compost, 17.5 and 17.0 °C in bare ground, and 16.9 and 17.3 °C in shredded leaf plots in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Changes in canopy size presented a similar trend over the growing season for all treatments; shredded leaf and bare ground treatments on all measuring dates had the smallest canopy size, and compost and black polyethylene mulches had the largest canopy sizes. Black polyethylene and compost mulches had the highest LAI and yields in both years. In 2017, the bare ground treatment was similar to black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments for both parameters, and all three treatments were significantly greater than the shredded leaf mulch treatment. In 2019, the bare ground treatment was similar to the shredded leaf mulch treatment and significantly lower than the black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments. In 2017, black polyethylene and compost mulches had LAI of 7.67 and 7.37 and yields of 6.38 and 6.68 kg·m−2, respectively. Bare ground had an LAI of 7.16 and yielded 5.94 kg·m−2. Shredded leaf mulch plots had the lowest LAI (5.94) and yield (4.96 kg·m−2). In 2019, the bare ground treatment had an LAI of 7.5 and yielded 7.6 kg·m−2. Black polyethylene and compost mulches increased LAI by 1.7. Yield increased by 2.8 kg·m−2 with black polyethylene mulch and by 2.4 kg·m−2 with compost mulch. Shredded leaf mulch produced LAI and yield similar to but slightly lower than bare ground. Dry weight, plant height, and head diameter in bare ground and shredded leaf mulch treatments were significantly smaller than in black polyethylene and compost mulch treatments. The cultivar rank order was consistent across treatments in both years; ‘Ridgeline’ grew significantly faster than ‘Coastal Star’, and plants were significantly larger at harvest. Black polyethylene suppresses weeds and increases soil temperatures, thereby enhancing yields of spring-to-summer romaine lettuce under southern New England conditions. Compost mulch has similar effects on yields. Shredded leaf mulch is effective at suppressing weeds but decreases soil temperatures and yields.

scholarly journals Effect of Colored Plastic Mulch on Soil Temperature and Yield of Eastern Muskmelon in Indiana

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 760E-761
Author(s):  
Christopher Gunter* ◽  
Frankie Lam
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Ground Treatment ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Industry Standard ◽  
Green Olive ◽  
Intensively Managed ◽  
Crop Maturity

Indiana ranks seventh in the nation for watermelon production and fifth in the nation in muskmelon production. Both of these crops are intensively managed and cultivation using plastic mulches is the industry standard in the area. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of plastic mulches of various colors and breakdown properties on the yield and earliness of eastern muskmelons in southwestern Indiana in 2002 and 2003. In 2002, eight colors were used, black, clear, brown, green, olive, grey, blue, and red. In 2003, five colors were used, grey, black, blue, clear, and olive. A bare ground treatment was also included in 2003. Temperature information was also collected both above and below these plastics in attempt to relate that back to performance of the crop. In 2002, green and clear mulches produced more melon numbers and higher melon weights compared to other mulch colors, however this was not significantly different than the black control mulch. In 2003, olive mulch produced significantly higher melon number and weight than clear mulches. In 2003, early-breakdown clear mulches, designed to last only until canopy fill, produced significantly lower yields than early-breakdown black mulch. This appears to be due primarily to weed production initiated early under the clear mulch and subsequent weed growth after mulch was broken down. The effect of plastic mulch type and earliness to crop maturity is also explored.

scholarly journals Influence of Colored Plastic Mulches on Soil Temperature and Muskmelon Root Respiration

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 802A-802
Author(s):  
John Jifon*
Keyword(s):  
Root Respiration ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Clear Plastic ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Marketable Fruit

Use of plastic mulch to increase rhizosphere temperatures is a common practice in spring production of vegetable crops. However, supraoptimal soil temperatures during the fruit maturation period in early summer can impair root function and reduce produce quality. The effects of colored plastic mulch on rhizosphere temperature and `Primo' muskmelon root respiration were investigated in the field during Fall (Aug.-Nov. 2002) and Spring (Mar.-May 2003) seasons. Rhizosphere temperatures (measured at 0.1 m below the soil surface with thermo-couples) and respiration under four plastic mulches (black, silver, white, and clear), and a bare ground control were studied. The soil warming properties of the different mulches differed between Spring and Fall. Bare ground rhizosphere temperatures declined from ≈33 to 21°C in the Fall and increased from 14 to 26 °C in Spring. In both studies, black and clear plastic mulches had the highest rhizosphere warming effects (3-8 °C) compared to bare ground. In the Fall, average midday soil temperatures under the white and silver mulches were 2-3 °C cooler than the bare ground treatment. Canopy establishment was accelerated by plastic mulches in Spring but not in Fall. Root + soil respiration was positively correlated with measured rhizosphere temperatures (r = 0.69), with the highest respiration rates recorded under the clear and black plastic mulches. More than 80% of fruits from the clear plastic treatment were deformed and unmarketable. The number of marketable fruit was similar among the black, white and silver mulch treatments and significantly greater (32% in Spring & 12% in Fall) than in the bare ground treatments.

scholarly journals The Effects of Plastic Mulch Systems on Soil Temperature and Moisture in Central Ontario

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla Snyder ◽  
Amanda Grant ◽  
Christopher Murray ◽  
Bryon Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Black Films ◽  
Mulch Films ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Canada Data ◽  
Soil Temperature And Moisture

The impact of polyolefin-based agricultural mulch films (including clear, black, and white-on-black films) on soil temperature and moisture content was studied, using a bare plot as a control, over a 4-month period in central Ontario, Canada. Data indicate a negative correlation between the change in soil temperature under the films relative to bare soil and the absolute value of bare soil temperature. Additionally, a negative correlation between the effect of films on soil moisture and the moisture level of bare soil was indicated. All mulch films demonstrated qualitatively similar ability to insulate the soil from extremes in both temperature and moisture, suggesting a potentially reduced need for irrigation and protecting against early frost, high temperatures, overwatering, and drought.

scholarly journals Effect of Soil Temperature on K and Ca Concentrations and on ATPase and Pyruvate Kinase Activity in Potato Roots

HortScience ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan M. Ruiz ◽  
Joaquín Hernández ◽  
Nicolas Castilla ◽  
Luis Romero
Keyword(s):  
Solanum Tuberosum ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Pyruvate Kinase ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Pyruvate Kinase Activity ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Potato Plants ◽  
Different Types

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) `Spunta' plants were grown with the root zone covered by different types of polyethylene plastic mulches. The plastic mulches used were transparent, white, co-extruded black and white, and black. As a control, plants were grown without plastic mulch. The parameters analyzed were soil temperature, root concentration of K and Ca, and enzymatic activities of ATPase and pyruvate kinase (PK), measured as basal and in the presence of K+ and Ca2+. The physical characteristics of the plastic mulches directly influenced soil and root temperatures in potato plants. In addition, the concentration of cations in the roots (particularly Ca2+) and basal ATPase activity were affected by soil temperature, whereas basal PK was not affected by soil temperature. The use of co-extruded black and white plastic mulch improved the nutritional status of Ca in the roots of potato plants. Finally, the basal ATPase and PK activities in the presence of K+ and Ca2+ were related with the root levels of these cations.

scholarly journals Performance of Paper Mulches Using a Mechanical Plastic Layer and Water Wheel Transplanter for the Production of Summer Squash

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy Coolong
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Layer ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Kraft Paper ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Summer Squash ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Water Wheel ◽  
Black Plastic

Polyethylene mulches are widely used in vegetable production. Advantages include improving yields, controlling weeds, and enhancing quality. However, the removal and disposal of plastic mulch used for vegetable production represents a significant financial cost for farmers and can be detrimental to the environment. A study was conducted in Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 evaluating the performance of paper mulches for the production of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo ssp. ovifera) ‘Conqueror III’. Four paper mulches, 50-lb kraft paper, 50-lb polyethylene-coated kraft paper, 40-lb white butcher paper, and 30-lb waxed paper were compared with 1-mil black polyethylene mulch, bare-ground hand-weeded, and bare-ground nonweeded treatments. Mulches were placed using a traditional plastic mulch layer and seedlings were transplanted using a water wheel transplanter. Crop yield and quality, weed biomass, soil temperatures under the mulch (Spring 2008 only), and mulch degradation were evaluated. Most paper mulches were able to be placed with a mulch layer, but were not well suited for use with a water wheel transplanter. In Fall 2007, butcher paper and polyethylene-coated kraft paper controlled weeds as well as black plastic mulch. However, in Spring 2008, black plastic mulch provided superior weed control compared with other mulches. Yields among waxed, butcher, and polyethylene-coated kraft papers were similar to black plastic mulch in 2007, though yields in paper mulch plots were significantly less than plastic mulch in Spring 2008. The results of this study suggest that although paper mulches can be effective, cropping conditions and the environment will influence effectiveness.

Effects of Mulches on Soil Temperature and Growth of Tea Plants in Kenya

1980 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. O. Othieno ◽  
P. M. Ahn
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Temperature And Growth ◽  
Tea Plants

SUMMARYFive types of mulches (black plastic, stone chippings and three types of grass) and a control were used on young clonal tea plants following transplanting. Soil temperature differences were observed in the first two years but disappeared when the tea canopy had developed to cover over 40% or more of the soil surface. Stem diameter, yield (during the first two years) and total dry matter production were positively correlated with soil temperatures over the range 14–21°C. Beneficial effects of raising soil temperature by black plastic mulch were short-lived, but the detrimental effect of reducing temperature by grass mulches was more severe and long lasting. Grass mulches induced shallow rooting, as a result of which the tea was more susceptible to drought.

scholarly journals DEVELOPMENT OF A PLASTIC MULCH SYSTEM THAT CHANGES COLOR WITH SEASON

HortScience ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1158d-1158
Author(s):  
Dennis R. Decoteau ◽  
Heather H. Friend ◽  
Dale E. Linvill ◽  
George Upton
Keyword(s):  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Color Transition ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Color System ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Different Color ◽  
Polyethylene Mulch

We have developed and field tested a plastic mulch system that changes color with season. The system uses a photodegradable polyethylene mulch placed on top of a degradable or nondegradable polyethylene mulch of a different color. As the top polyethylene mulch degrades with increasing exposure to sunlight, the color of the bottom polyethylene mulch is exposed. We have successfully evaluated the effects of a black photodegradable mulch placed on top of a white nondegradable mulch on mulch color transition, soil temperatures under the mulch, and the production of spring planted tomatoes. The mulch color system affected soil temperatures and average tomato fruit size, but had no effect on number of fruit produced. We have also produced and are field testing a coextruded polyethylene mulch with the desired black and white photodegradable colored layers.

scholarly journals CULTURAL MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES FOR ALLEVIATION OF HEAT STRESS IN BELL PEPPERS

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 681e-681
Author(s):  
B.W. Roberts ◽  
Jeff Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Row Covers ◽  
Yield Parameters ◽  
Bell Peppers ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Cultural Modification

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was grown in 1989, 1990, and 1991. Cultural modifications were used in an effort to alleviate heat stress, improve fruit set, reduce sunscald, and improve yield quantity and quality. Treatments included bare soil, plastic mulch (both black and white), straw mulch, living rye (Secale cereale) mulch, and row covers (white and black) suspended above the foliage. Soil temperature at 2.5, 10, and 20 cm, soil moisture at 20 cm, and yield parameters were recorded. In general, plots containing white rowcovers produced good yields each year, straw mulched plots produced good yields two out of three years, plots with black plastic mulch gave poor yields two out of three years, and plots with living rye gave consistently poor yields. Yield inconsistency from year to year was correlated with, and can be explained by, soil temperatures. Sunscald was reduced by rowcovers.

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