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Weed Suppression Potential of Living Mulches, Newspaper Hydromulches, and Compost Blankets in Organically Managed Carrot Production

2021; American Society for Horticultural Science; Volume: 31; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.21273/horttech04745-20

1943-7714

Jesse Jor-El Puka-Beals, Greta Gramig,

Plant Disease Management Techniques

Direct seeding into strip-tilled zones (STZs) of living mulches may require weed suppression tactics for soil surfaces exposed within the STZ. Three surface mulch options (hydromulch, compost blanket, and a no-mulch control) were evaluated for their ability to suppress weeds and improve crop performance when applied in STZs seeded to carrot ( Daucus carota ). These STZs were located within one of five living mulch options [red clover ( Trifolium pratense ), white clover ( Trifolium repens ), perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ), a weed-free control, and a weedy control]. From measurements spanning 2 years at two North Dakota locations, dry weed biomass was lower in STZs where hydromulch or compost blankets were applied compared with the no-mulch control (12, 13, and 82 g·m −2 , respectively). The presence of a living mulch adjacent to the STZ reduced carrot root biomass by 49% to 84% compared with the weed-free control. Further research should 1) investigate methods for reducing yield loss from living mulches, and 2) develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic mulches.