Potential to double-crop plastic mulch

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Waterer ◽  
William Hrycan ◽  
Theresa Simms
Keyword(s):  
Light Transmission ◽  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Double Cropping ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Second Year

Double-cropping of plastic (polyethylene) mulches has the potential to increase the cost-effectiveness while reducing the environmental impact of this technology for enhancing growth of vegetable crops. In regions with a short growing season, double-cropping of soil mulches hinges on being able to leave the plastic in the field over winter. This extended exposure to the elements may alter the physical and optical characteristics of the mulch, thereby influencing crop productivity in the second year of use. This study evaluated the physical characteristics and efficacy of black, clear and infrared transmitting (IRT) mulches over two cropping seasons in Saskatchewan. The crops planted were pepper (Capsicum annuum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in the first year and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in the second year. Early-season soil temperatures appeared highest under the clear mulch in the first year, but once the crop canopy was established there was little difference in soil temperature among plots having different mulches. Higher yields of both cucumber and pepper were produced in the first year by clear mulch than by black mulch or without mulch. All mulches were still physically sound at the end of the first growing season, but light transmission through the clear and IRT mulches was reduced relative to new mulch. Much of this change was due to soil and other debris on the surface of the mulches. There was little further change in the physical condition or light transmission characteristics of the mulches through the second year of use. Weed growth under clear mulch in its second year appeared to reduce soil temperatures, particularly relative to new clear mulch. Mulch type, either newly laid or year-old, had no impact on yields of marketable tomatoes. More fruit reached full red color prior to harvest in response to clear mulch than to no mulch (bare soil). Yields of marketable tomato fruit obtained on year-old mulch of all types were comparable to yields obtained with new mulch. These data suggest that double-cropping of plastic mulches can be done without loss of crop yield and provide significant savings in materials, labor and disposal costs. While clear mulch was generally the most beneficial for the production of warm season vegetable crops, it did not prevent weed growth in the second year which was problematic. Key words: Wavelength selective, light transmission, cucumber, pepper, tomato

scholarly journals Changes in the Physical, Optical, and Thermal Properties of Polyethylene Mulches during Double Cropping

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Ngouajio ◽  
Jeremy Ernest
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Soil Cover ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Degree Days ◽  
Heat Accumulation ◽  
Soil Warming ◽  
Double Cropping ◽  
Second Year

In temperate regions, the vegetable growing season is short and plastic mulches are usually left in the field for an entire year when used for double cropping. This work was conducted to study the effect of weathering on the physical, optical, and thermal properties of plastic mulches during double cropping. The design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The mulches were black, grey, infrared transmitting brown (IRT-brown), IRT-green, white, and white-on-black (co-extruded white/black). Tomato was grown the first year and cucumber the following year. The grey mulch degraded substantially during double cropping (only 40% of bed was covered the second year) and showed an increase in light transmission and a decrease in heat accumulation (degree-days). The black, whiteon-black, white, IRT-brown, and IRT green mulches showed less degradation with 93%, 91%, 85%, 75%, and 61% soil cover, respectively. However, their soil warming ability was significantly reduced. These mulches could be used for double cropping to suppress weeds and to reduce inputs associated with plastic purchase, laying, and disposal. However, they may not provide adequate soil warming early in the season for the second crop.

scholarly journals PRODUCTIVITY OF PERENNIAL GRASSES AND MIXTURES WITH DIFFERENT SOWING DATES IN WESTERN SIBERIA

2020 ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
V. A. Petruk
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
First Year ◽  
Sowing Dates ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Sowing Period

The results of field studies for 2017 - 2019 are presented. yields of perennial grasses sown at different times of the growing season. Spring, summer, and winter sowing periods were compared. Alfalfa, clover, rump, and also their mixtures were sown in 2017 under the cover of barley. The value of the cover crop yield of spring and summer sowing periods did not differ significantly and amounted to 4-5 t / ha of absolutely dry matter. Winter barley crops have not formed. On average, over 2 years of use, the highest yields were observed in alfalfa-crust grass mixtures - 3.4 t / ha of absolutely dry matter. The lowest yield was obtained in the single-species seeding of the rump. Correspondingly, in the spring, summer and winter periods of sowing, the yield of rump was 1.6; 1.1 and 1.3 t / ha. With a late sowing period, the yield of perennial grasses is significantly lower compared to spring and summer. With winter sowing periods, the yield was the highest for grass stands of alfalfa and alfalfacrust grass mixture - 2.3 and 2.4 t / ha. It should be noted that in the second year of use, the yield by the sowing dates in single-species crops and grass mixtures is leveled. The winter crops of perennial grasses in the first year of use formed a low yield. Only in the second year (third year of life) the productivity of perennial grasses of winter sowing began to increase. Consequently, in the area under perennial grasses of the winter sowing period, during one growing season (the next year after sowing), the crop was not actually formed. Based on the data obtained, production can be recommended for spring and summer planting of perennial grasses under the cover of barley. The winter sowing period provides economically valuable crop yields only by the third year of life.

scholarly journals Zoysiagrass Establishment from Sprigs following Application of Herbicides, Nitrogen, and a Biostimulator

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 972-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.J. Carroll ◽  
P.H. Dernoeden ◽  
J.M. Krouse
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Dimethyl Ester ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
First Year ◽  
Zoysia Japonica ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
Preemergence Herbicides ◽  
Postemergence Herbicides

Sprigs of `Meyer' zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) were treated with urea nitrogen, a biostimulator, and one of three preemergence herbicides or one of two postemergence herbicides to hasten establishment in two field studies. Monthly application of N at 48 kg·ha–1 during the growing season had no influence on sprig establishment the first year, but slightly increased (+5%) zoysiagrass cover the second year. Presoaking sprigs in a solution containing (mg·L–1) 173 auxin and 81 cytokinin, and iron at 1.25 g·L–1 before broadcasting of sprigs, and biweekly sprays (g·ha–1) of 53 auxin and 24 cytokinin, and iron at 0.2 g·L–1 or (g·ha–1) 68 auxin and 36 cytokinin, and iron at 1.45 g·L–1 after broadcasting sprigs had no effect on zoysiagrass cover or rooting. Preemergence and postemergence herbicide use generally enhanced zoysiagrass cover by reducing smooth crabgrass competition [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb. ex Schweig) Schreb. ex Muhl]. Oxadiazon enhanced zoysiagrass coverage more than dithiopyr, pendimethalin, quinclorac, or fenoxaprop. Oxadiazon and dithiopyr provided similar levels of crabgrass control, but dithiopyr reduced `Meyer' zoysiagrass midsummer root growth. Chemical names used: 3,5,-pyridinedicarbothioic acid, 2-[difluromethyl]-4-[2-methyl-propyl]-6-(trifluoromethyl)-S,S-dimethyl ester (dithiopyr); [±]-ethyl 2-[4-[(6-chloro-2-benzoxazolyl)oxy]phenoxy] propanoate (fenoxaprop); 3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one (oxadiazon); N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine (pendimethalin); 3,7-dichloro-8-quin-olinecarboxylic acid (quinclorac).

scholarly journals Effects of Season of Burning on the Microenvironment of Fescue Prairie in Central Saskatchewan

2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. W. Archibold ◽  
E. A. Ripley ◽  
L. Delanoy
Keyword(s):  
Plant Cover ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Control Plot ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Season Of Burning

The microenvironmental effects of spring, summer and autumn burns were investigated for a small area of fescue prairie in Saskatchewan over two growing seasons. Maximum fire temperature in all burns exceeded 300°C at a height of 5-10 cm in the canopy. At a depth of 1 cm in the soil, temperature increased to 40°C during the summer burn, but was unaffected by burns at other seasons. Spring-burned grasses recovered to the same height as the unburned control plot by the end of the first summer. Grass height was similar in all plots by the end of the second growing season, but aboveground biomass in all burned plots was about half that of the control. Graminoid leaf area index at the end of the second growing season ranged from 0.65 in the control plot to 0.27 in the autumn burn. Surface albedos dropped to about 0.03 immediately after burning and took about 3 months to return to the pre-burn values near 0.20. By mid-June of the second year, albedos were similar in all plots. Soil temperatures at 50 cm depth in the burned plots were higher than in the control during the first summer and lower during the winter. The greatest winter snowpack (73 mm water equivalent) accumulated in the control, compared to 48, 35 and 25 mm in the spring, summer and autumn burned plots, respectively. In the first growing season the greatest demand for water occurred in the spring plot followed by the summer, control and autumn plots. In the second season water demand did not differ significantly among plots, reflecting the similarities in plant cover. The microenvironmental effects of a single burning episode in fescue prairie disappear rather quickly, so that there is little long-term impact on the vegetation.

Evaluation of biodegradable mulches for production of warm-season vegetable crops

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 737-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Waterer
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Corn Starch ◽  
Sweet Corn ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Soil Temperatures

While plastic soil mulches are widely used in vegetable crop production, removal and disposal of these plastics at the end of the growing season is costly and environmentally unsound. This trial assessed the field performance of several colors of corn-starch-based biodegradable mulches for the production of warm season vegetable crops (sweet corn, zucchini, cantaloupe, pepper and eggplant) over three cropping seasons in Saskatchewan. The clear and wavelength selective types of mulch most commonly produced beneficial effects on the rate of crop development and yields. This may be attributed to these mulch types enhancing soil temperatures, especially early in the growing season. There were no appreciable differences in the soil temperatures or crop growth and yield responses on the biodegradable mulches as compared with the same color of standard low-density polyethylene mulch. The biodegradable mulches were easy to apply and were readily incorporated into the soil at the end of the growing season. Although the clear and to a lesser extent the wavelength selective forms of biodegradable mulch tended to break down well before the end of the growing season, this early failure did not negatively impact the performance of any of the crops tested, as long as supplemental weed control was provided. Supplemental weed control would be more important for slow-growing, erect crops like peppers and eggplants than for the more robust and sprawling crops like corn and melons. Although the biodegradable mulches are more expensive than the corresponding standard polyethylene-based plastics, this added cost is more than offset by the costs to remove and dispose of the standard plastic mulches. Key words: Sweet corn, pepper, zucchini, eggplant, cantaloupe, Biotelo

Changes with time in the germination of buried scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata Mérat) seeds

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 277-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Bowes ◽  
A. G. Thomas ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
First Year ◽  
Temperature Regimes ◽  
Buried Seed ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Persistent Seed Bank

Change with time in the germination of scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata Mérat) seeds was investigated. Seeds were placed in nylon net bags, buried 7 cm deep in soil, exhumed at monthly intervals for 2 yr and allowed to germinate in temperature regimes of 10/2 °C, 20/5 °C, 25/10 °C and 35/20 °C (16/8 h), simulating temperatures found during early spring or late fall, spring or fall, summer and mid-summer on the soil surface, respectively. Exhumed and refrigerator-stored (2 °C) check seeds exhibited no yearly dormancy/nondormancy germination cycle, but mortality of buried seed increased to 36%, after 10 mo in contrast with that of the check seeds which remained low for two years. Light was required for germination during the first year but was not required for a portion of the seed during the second year. The retention of viability in buried seed explains the persistent seed bank and seedling emergence throughout the growing season when moisture and temperature are nonlimiting. Key words: Seed burial, germination, Matricaria perforata Mérat

scholarly journals Mulching with Leaf Litter from Municipal Green Waste Favours Predatory Mononchid Nematodes

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2522
Author(s):  
Renáta Petrikovszki ◽  
Mihály Zalai ◽  
Franciska Tóthné Tóthné Bogdányi ◽  
Ferenc Tóth ◽  
Péter István Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
First Year ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

Although the incorporation of organic amendments into the soil is widely researched, less attention has been given to the impact of in-situ composting of municipal green wastes (MGW), especially leaf litter, on free-living nematodes. In a four year experiment (2016–2019) of tomato cropping cycles, we tested the hypothesis that leaf litter mulch has a positive effect on mononchid predatory nematodes and influences their species composition. Two treatments were applied every year: plots were either mulched with leaf litter or left unmulched. Soil samples were collected every autumn at the end of the growing season. Active, free-living nematodes were extracted by Baermann funnel from soil samples, the density of mononchid predatory nematodes was determined, and the individuals were identified to genus or species. In the first year (2016), mulching did not affect the density of mononchids. From the second year (2017) on, their number significantly increased in mulched plots, compared to in unmulched ones. During the study period the presence of four mononchid genera: Clarkus, Mylonchulus, Prionchulus, and Iotonchus, were detected. Our hypothesis was confirmed, as the number of mononchids increased in the presence of MGW leaf litter mulch layer.

scholarly journals Drought stress effects on the grain yield among different barley cultivars

Genetika ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 1087-1100
Author(s):  
Aram Arshadi ◽  
Ezzat Karami ◽  
Behzad Khateri ◽  
Payam Rezabakhsh
Keyword(s):  
Drought Stress ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Tolerance Index ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Barley Cultivars ◽  
Stress Effects ◽  
Group A ◽  
Second Year

We examined commercial barley cultivars in two sequential growing season by including irrigation and rainfed conditions under a randomized complete block experimental design. There were positive and significant correlations between the yeild and either of the indices including Mean productivity (MP), Stress Tolerance Index (STI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), Harmonic Mean Productivity (HMP), and Mean Relative Performance (MRP) in both irrigated and drought conditions. The PC1 and PC2 justified 94.86 and 94.44% of total variation in the first year and second year, respectively. According to 3-dimensional diagram and based on STI, genotypes 2, 3, and 8 in the first year and gentypes 4, 3, 8, and 2 in the second year were clustered together in group A, and therefore, called the most tolerant cultivars to drought stress.

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 FIRST-YEAR FIELD PERFORMANCE OF 60 MICROPROPAGATED SILVER MAPLE CLONES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 602d-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Huetteman ◽  
J.E. Preece ◽  
W.C. Ashby ◽  
P.L. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Field Performance ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
First Year ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Southern Illinois ◽  
Silver Maple ◽  
Bud Set ◽  
Reduced Height ◽  
Drought Survival

Four selected clones from each of 15 provenances were clonally micropropagated and established in plastic mulch in both upland and lowland plantations in southern Illinois. Despite a severe drought, survival in the field was 95%. The plastic mulch controlled weeds, reduced erosion, and supplemental irrigation was not necessary. Although clonal differences in field mortality were statistically significant, the lower survival of some clones may be attributable to plantlet size and planting technique rather than to genetic differences among clones. There was a longer growing season for trees from the midwest and southern provenances as evidenced by date of bud set. As a group, trees from the IL, IN, KS, and MS provenances set bud 26 days later in the upland site and 19 days later in the lowland site than the trees from the northern provenances of MN, NH, Ontario, and VT. The shorter growing season resulted in reduced height and caliper growth of trees from the northern provenances.

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