Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Gary L. HAWKINS
Water management and conservation tillage practices can be important when producing fruit and vegetable crops in areas of limited water resources. This study evaluated six alternative mulching materials - compost, biofilm plastic, newspaper, craft paper, compost with glycerin, and a no-mulch control - against standard low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic in a bedded watermelon production system. Three replications of each treatment (mulches) were randomly placed in sections of watermelon rows. Weed density, soil moisture, and temperature were monitored to assess the performance of each mulch. Results showed that all treatments, except for the control and compost, provided effective weed suppression comparable to LDPE. Soil temperature and moisture levels varied across treatments, with compost producing the highest and lowest recorded temperatures. These findings suggest that several alternative mulches, when used in combination with conservation tillage, offer viable, sustainable options for small-scale fruit and vegetable production.
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