Effect of a Plastic Row Tunnel and Soil Mulch on Tomato Performance, Weed Control and Herbicide Persistence

Abstract

de d6iherbage sur parcelles paill6es contrairement aux parcelles non paill6es oir le niveau de d6sherbage a un effet sur le rendement. Le paillis plastique r6duit 6galement I'exportation des trois herbicides du sol par rapport aux parcelles non pai116es.

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

“…The shade produced by the sprawling melon crop appears to have reduced weed growth when clear plastic mulch was used without herbicides. Jensen et al (1989) found that the weed species composition was influenced by the use of clear mulch. Species such as purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) which are adapted to high temperatures and have a relatively pros-trate growth habit thrived under the mulches while other species disappeared.…”

“…Information on the use of herbicides in association with mulches and particularly on the impact of mulches on herbicide performance is limited. Some studies indicate that mulches may increase the efficacy of herbicides by reducing losses to volatilization and photodegradation (Gorske, 1983;Jensen et al, 1985Jensen et al, , 1989. However, if mulching increases soil temperatures and moisture levels, there may be a corresponding reduction in efficacy related to accelerated breakdown of the herbicide via biological and nonbiological processes (Jensen et al, 1989;Savage, 1977).…”

Effect of Plastic Mulch Type on Fomesafen Dissipation in Florida Vegetable Production Systems

“…Plastic mulches are used in Florida small fruit and vegetable production to protect raised beds from erosion, decrease soil moisture evaporation, improve fumigant efficacy, extend weed control, and alter soil temperature in the root zone. Pesticide dissipation is affected by plastic mulch by limiting sunlight, leaching by rainfall, and affecting biological activity (Bond and Walker 1989; Jensen et al 1989). Bond and Walker (1989) determined dissipation of linuron, pendimethalin, chlorobromuron, and flurochloridone was reduced when applied to soil under perforated polyethylene covers compared with bare soil.…”

Safety Assessment of Transgenic Organisms in the Environment, Volume 7

“…Tomatoes in fields or glasshouses can be grown in polyethylene-mulched beds with drip irrigation which allows for close monitoring of nutrients. The plastic mulch helps to maintain a high efficiency in the use of water and fertiliser (Jensen, Kimball and Ricketson, 1989). Drip irrigation for tomatoes has gained popularity as it increases water use efficiency and also allows the application of fertilisers mixed in the irrigation water.…”