Exam 1 Flashcards
When were plastic mulches first used
In the 1950’s
What crops benefit the most from plastic mulch
The cucurbits, tomatoes, eggplants and peppers
What is plasticulture
A system for growing vegetable crops where significant benefit is obtained from using products derived from synthetic polymers
What does plasticulture production involve?
Plasticulture production consists of raised beds covered with plastic mulch, drip irrigation, delivery of chemicals through the drip irrigation (fertigation/chemigation), and pre-plant soil fumigation under the plastic mulch.
What are the advantages of plasticulture over bare soil cultivation?
Earlier production; higher yields per acre; cleaner, higher-quality product; more efficient use of water and fertilizer; reduced leaching of mineral nutrients; less soil erosion; fewer diseases; fewer weeds; better management of some insects; reduced soil compaction; less root pruning; and maximum efficiency through double- or triple-cropping.
What are the advantages of straw mulch?
It’s readily available, inexpensive, easy to spread, prevents compaction, decompose naturally, keeps crops clean, helps retain soil moisture, and provides some inhibition of weed growth.
What are disadvantages of straw mulch?
Contamination by weed seed, cost, inconsistent decomposition times, a high C:N ratio (which means it breaks down more slowly than more succulent vegetative materials having high nitrogen content, is decomposed by microbes that use nitrogen in competition with crop (additional nitrogen fertilizer is sometimes warranted when heavy straw mulch is used)
What is a no-till production system?
Allows vegetables to be planted or transplanted directly into plant residues of a previous cover crop, which provides a mulch effect.
What are advantages of plastic mulches?
Consistent long-term weed control, an ability to fumigate soil and modification of soil temperature (especially black plastic.
Why is the use of plastic mulch without drip irrigation not recommended?
Water will be depleted beneath the mulch by plant roots and transpiration, the plastic prevents moisture from entering the soil except through the small hole around the plant. If drip irrigation is not available, porous mulch should be used.
Can crops be planted immediately after fumigation under plastic mluch?
Ni, generally there is a waiting period required.
What is the advantage of using a clear plastic mulch?
Clear plastic causes a greenhouse effect between the soil and plastic, increasing soil temperatures more than black mulch.
What are disadvantages of using a clear plastic mulch?
Loss of weed control, as weed seeds can germinate and grow under the clear plastic and push the mulch out of the soil.
What are the advantages of an infrared transmitting mulch (IRT)?
It provides the weed control of black mulch with the soil-warming ability of clear mulch. These mulches absorb photosynthetically active radiation, but transmit solar infrared wavelengths of radiation responsible for heating soil, providing a compromise between black and clear mulches.
Why would a grower choose a white mulch?
White mulches reduce soil temperature, which benefits certain vegetables grown in warm climates.
