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

Effects of duration of coverage with spunbonded polyester rowcovers on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Waterer
Keyword(s):  
Capsicum Annuum ◽  
High Temperatures ◽  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Cropping Seasons ◽  
Yield Responses

Transparent rowcovers installed at transplanting and removed as growing conditions improve are commonly employed to promote development of warm-season vegetable crops. In regions with a brief and cool growing season, short-stature warm-season crops such as peppers could potentially benefit from being kept under the rowcovers for extended periods after transplanting. This study examined the influence of duration of coverage with spunbonded polyester rowcovers on vegetative growth, fruit yields and degree of fruit maturity of bell peppers over the 1999, 2000 and 2001 cropping seasons in Saskatchewan, Canada. Eight-week-old transplants of several cultivars of pepper were covered for 6 wk or 10 wk after transplanting or for the duration of the growing season. All growth and yield responses to the duration of coverage were consistent across the cultivars tested. In 1999, extending the period of coverage reduced aboveground vegetative growth of the crop, otherwise vegetative growth was not influenced by the duration of coverage. During the relatively cool 2000 cropping season, the duration of coverage had no effect on fruit yields or the proportion of the fruit that matured to red prior to frost. By contrast, in the warmer 1999 and 2001 cropping seasons, fruit yields declined as the duration of coverage increased. Excessively high temperatures interfere with fruit set in peppers. These results suggest that the risk of exposing the crop to excessively high temperatures may be increased by extending the period of coverage into the warmer periods of the growing season. Extending the period of coverage beyond the standard 6 wk also required additional labor and occasionally exacerbated problems with weeds and insect pests. Key words: Rowcovers, microclimate, ripening, pepper, Capsicum annuum

scholarly journals Weed Control in No-tillage Cucumber Production

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 746D-747
Author(s):  
S. Alan Walters* ◽  
Scott A. Nolte ◽  
Joseph L. Matthews ◽  
Bryan G. Young
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Production System ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Amaranthus Retroflexus ◽  
Winter Rye ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Drought Conditions ◽  
Soil Temperatures

A field study was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to evaluate various herbicides (ethafluralin & clomazone, halosulfuron, and ethafluralin & clomazone + halosulfuron) with or without a winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop in no-tillage `Daytona' cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production. All herbicides were applied preplant prior to cucumber transplanting, and no injury or stunting to cucumber was observed with any of the treatments evaluated at any time during the two growing seasons. Winter rye provided a significant advantage for weed control compared to the no cover crop production system. The combination of ethafluralin & clomazone + halosulfuron provided the greatest control of smooth crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb. Ex Schweig) Schreb. Ex Muhl.] and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Ethafluralin & clomazone provided little redroot pig-weed control, while halosulfuron alone provided no control of smooth crabgrass. Winter rye enhanced cucumber yields in 2002 (drought conditions), while in 2003 (sufficient moisture and cooler soil temperatures), winter rye tended to suppress yields. During drought conditions (2002), treatments with ethafluralin & clomazone and ethafluralin & clomazone + halosulfuron produced similar yields. However, in 2003, treatments with ethafluralin & clomazone + halosulfuron produced greater yields than treatments with ethafluralin & clomazone. Overall, the handweed treatment provided the greatest yields, while the non-treated and halosulfuron only treatment provided the lowest yields. Winter rye will provide some additional weed control in a no-tillage vegetable production system, but may also provide negative effects by suppressing crop yield depending on seasonal growing conditions.

scholarly journals Performance Evaluation of BRRI Power Weeder for Low Land Rice (Oryza sativ L.) Cultivation

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-48
Author(s):  
AKM Saiful Islam ◽  
MT Islam ◽  
M Sh. Islam ◽  
AKM Lutfor Rahman ◽  
MA Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Rice Variety ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Control Device ◽  
Effective Field ◽  
Hand Weeding

Mechanical intervention in crop production is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. Researchers are finding ways to manage weeds in rice field using suitable mechanical devices instead of conventional hand weeding. A study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) power weeder compared to BRRI weeder and hand weeding in the farmers’ field at Rashidpur in Mithapukur upazila under Rangpur district during boro season of 2014-15. Three treatments: T1 = BRRI weeder (BW), T2 = BRRI power weeder (BPW) and T3 = Hand weeding (HW) were used in the experiment. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers’ plots. Rice variety BRRI dhan28 was selected for the experiment. The effective field capacity of BW and BPW was found to be 0.06 and 0.09 ha hr-1, respectively. The weeding efficiency was the highest in HW (92%), followed by BPW (78%) and BW (73%). It was found that BW damaged the lowest number of plants (9%) compared to BPW (11%) during weeding operation, although the damaged plants recovered after a few days. BW and BPW reduced 74 and 85% of labor requirement in weeding operation compared to HW. The highest weeding cost was involved in HW (Tk. 4287 ha-1) compared to BW (Tk. 1103 ha-1) and BPW (Tk. 950ha-1). Weed control methods exerted insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder reduced weeding cost, enhanced weed control and improved the labor efficiency without sacrificing grain yield. The highest BCR was obtained in BPW (1.22) followed by BW (1.16) and HW (1.11). BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder appeared to be economic, easy and also environmentally safe weed control device in low land rice cultivation. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 40-48

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 PENGARUH JENIS KOMPOS DAN WAKTU PENGENDALIAN GULMA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN JAGUNG MANIS SECARA ORGANIK

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahmat Wijaya ◽  
Nanik Setyowati ◽  
Masdar Masdar
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Water Hyacinth ◽  
Sweet Corn ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Synthetic Fertilizer ◽  
Corn Plants

There has been a shift towards sustainable agriculture including organic farming system. Organic fertilizer is absolutely necessary in organic farming to replace synthetic fertilizers. In addition, weed control is nessesary to prevent yield decrease. This study aimed to compare influence of different types of compost and weed control periode on growth and yield of sweet corn. This research was carried out in January-March 2016 in Padang Serai, Kampung Melayu Subdistrict, Bengkulu City, Indonesia. The design used in the experiment was Complete Random Design with two factors. The first factor was synthetic fertilizer, vermicompost, litter compost, wedelia compost and water hyacinth compost, whereas the second factor was the weed control periode which were 3 WAP (week after planted) as well as 3 and 6 WAP. Sweet corn plants that nurtured with compost has better growth and yield compared to a plant that just nurtured with inorganic fertilizers. The best growth and yield of sweet corn plants produced from plants fertilized with wedelia compost and vermicompost followed by water hyacinth compost and litter leaves compost. Sweet corn fertilized with wedelia compost and vermicompost provided highest shoot fresh and dry weight. Sweet corn fertilized with compost of rate 20 ton/Ha gave diameter of unhusked ear, diameter of husked ear as well as length of unhusked ear higher than synthetic fertilizer. Weed control once in 3 WAP (week after planted) as well as twice in 3 and 6 WAP resulted in no significant different on sweet corn growth and yield

scholarly journals Effects of spacings and butachlor levels on weed control, growth and yield of NERICA 1 rice (Oryza sativa L. x Oryza glaberrima L.)

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-369
Author(s):  
Hassan Kasim ◽  
Ibrahim Musa ◽  
Mustapha Muhamman
Keyword(s):  
Oryza Sativa ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Oryza Sativa L ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Oryza Glaberrima ◽  
Control Growth ◽  
Main Plot

Poor agronomic practices coupled with herbicide mismanagement influence crop performance, yield, weed infestation and environmental hazards. Thus, field experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of spacing and reduced levels of butachlor on weed control and yield of NERICA 1 rice (Oryza sativa L. x Oryza glaberrima L). The experiments were conducted in the 2011 rainy season at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, and Lake Gerio, Yola in the 2012 dry season. Yola is located between latitude 9o14? N and longitude 12o28? E in the Northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria. Treatments consisted of four spacings (20 cm x 20 cm, etc.) and four butachlor levels (3, 2, 1, and 0 kg ha-1 a.i.). The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design with spacings assigned to the main plot and butachlor levels assigned to the sub-plot and were replicated three times. Data were taken on percentage establishment, number of leaves per plant, general weed cover, panicle length and grain yield per hectare. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance. Means showing a significant F-test were separated using LSD. Results obtained showed that butachlor at 1 kg ha-1 and 14 cm x 14 cm spacing gave the highest grain yield of 1441 kg ha-1 and maximum weed control. They are, therefore, recommended for adoption by farmers in Yola and similar environments.

INFLUENCE OF INTER-ROW SPACING AND WEED CONTROL METHODS IN GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogeal (L.)

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-95
Author(s):  
J. A. ADIGUN ◽  
O. R. ADEYEMI ◽  
S. T. O., LAGOKE ◽  
P. M. OLORUNMAIYE ◽  
O. S. DARAMOLA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
Weed Infestation ◽  
Main Plot

Weed competition has been identified as one of the major obstacles in crop production. The produc-tion of groundnut is limited by high weed infestation resulting in yield losses ranging from 50 - 80% in Nigeria. Hence, the need to evaluate integrated weed control in its production. Field trials were there-fore conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (7o 20’ N, 30 23’ E) to evaluate the influence of inter-row spacing and weed control methods on growth and yield of groundnut during the wet seasons in 2009 and 2010. The experiment was a Randomised Complete Design (RCBD) laid out in a split plot with three replications. The main plot treatment con-sisted of three inter-row spacings of 60 cm, 75 cm and 90 cm while the subplots included five weed control treatments of commercial formulation of metolachlor plus promethyne mixture (codal) at 1.0 kg a.i/ha, codal at 1.0 kg a.i./ha followed by supplementary hoe weeding at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), codal at 2 kg a.i./ha, hoe weeding at 3, 6 and 9 WAS and a weedy check. Inter-row spacings of 60 cm and 75 cm reduced weed growth with consequent higher yields compared to the inter-row spacings of 90 cm in the early season of 2009. Application of codal at 1.0 kg a.i./ha followed by supplementary hoe weeding at 6 WAS combined with 60cm inter-row spacing gave effective weed control and higher groundnut pod yield than hoe-weeded control in both years of experimentation.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Alternative Control Methods for Tithonia diversifolia on Water Yam (Dioscorea alata) Plot

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
O. S. Olabode ◽  
A. Ogunsola ◽  
O. S. Oladapo ◽  
A. O. Sangodele
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Infested Soil ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Tithonia Diversifolia ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Water Yam

Tithonia diversifolia has become a significant agronomic problem to optimum arable crop production in Nigeria which has necessitated effective and timely control if the good yield is expected on infested soil. This study compared the performance of water yam under different weed control methods on Tithonia infested plot at Ogunba village near Baaya-Oje in Surulere Local Government area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State during the 2015 growing season. Eight (8) control treatments were evaluated namely: Weed control with Atrazine, Diuron, 2 hoe weeding, 3 hoe weeding, Black plastic mulch, grass mulch, Diuron + Atrazine + Plastic mulch (IWM) and unweeded plot. The three (3) hoe weeding and the unweeded plot served as the control treatments. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replicates. Yam setts were planted at a spacing of    1 m x 1 m to give a population of 10000 plants/ha. Atrazine and Diuron were applied at the rate of 2.5 kg a.i/ha, 2 hoe weeding was done at 3 and 6 weeks after planting (WAP), 3 hoe weeding was done at 3,6 and 9 WAP, while grass mulch was applied at the rate of 5 tons/ha. In IWM, Atrazine and Diuron were applied each at the half recommended rate (1.25 kg/ha) before applying plastic mulch. The treatments were applied pre-emergently on a rain wetted soil after planting. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters of yam as well as on Tithonia weed population and dry matter yield. Results showed that weed control methods significantly (P < 0.05) influenced water yam yield. The highest tuber yield (21 tons/ha) in plastic mulch was comparable to IWM (20 tons/ha), 3 hoe weeding (19 tons/ha) and 2 hoe weeding (18 tons/ha). Grass mulch (16 tons/ha), Diuron (15 tons/ha), Atrazine (14 tons/ha) were also not significantly (P > 0.05) different. Thus, it may be concluded that plastic much is the most efficient of the methods for weed control in yam. The implication of this finding is discussed.

scholarly journals Effect of Soil Mulches and Herbicides on Production Economics of Warm Season Vegetable Crops in a Cool Climate

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 154-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.R. Waterer
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cucumis Melo ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Production Economics ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Clear Plastic ◽  
Cool Climate

The efficacy and cost efficiency of using various plastic soil mulches in the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), corn (Zea mays L.) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were examined over four growing seasons in Saskatchewan, Canada. Clear mulch with or without preemergent herbicides was compared with black or wavelength selective mulches. In all three crops, mulches enhanced yields relative to bare ground in most site-year combinations. Clear mulch usually produced the highest yields. Herbicides applied under the clear plastic provided effective weed control with no observable changes in product efficacy or toxicity to the crop. The weed control provided by the herbicides had no effect on yields in the clear mulch treatments. Consequently, clear mulch without added herbicide usually represented the most cost-effective production option for all three crops.

scholarly journals 267 Phytotoxic Effect of Pine Bark Mulch in Landscape Beds

HortScience ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 488C-488
Author(s):  
R.A. Mirabello ◽  
A.E. Einert ◽  
G.L. Klingaman
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Primary Root ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Pine Bark ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Phytotoxic Effect ◽  
Soil Temperatures

The use of shredded bark, wood chips, and other organic mulches to conserve water and moderate soil temperatures is a common practice in landscape maintenance. Four mulch materials (cottonseed hulls, cypress pulp, pine bark, and pine straw) were examined to determine effects on plant growth and soil conditions in annual flower beds during a 1-year rotation of warm season to cool season annuals. Inhibited plant growth was observed in pine bark treatments at the conclusion of the growing season for both plantings. Effects on soil conditions were insignificant over the year-long study in pine bark treatments. To further investigate potential phytotoxic effects of pine bark and other mulch used in the initial study, a seed bioassay was performed to determine the influence of mulch extracts in solution on germination and primary root elongation.

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