Organic plant waste proves effective weed control for ci...(mulch black plastic mulch hand-hoeing cu...)
mulch, black plastic mulch, hand-hoeing, cultivation, glyphosate, and unweeded control treatments on weed control, fruit yield, and fruit quality.
"The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of plant mulches with different depths compared with synthetic mulch, hand-hoeing, cultivation, and glyphosate on weed control efficacy and quantity and quality of mandarin fruits", remarked Dr. H.F. Abouziena, the project's lead researcher. Abouziena added, "In Egypt, rice straw is considered one of the most important plant waste problems, and cattail weed is a problem in all water canals. Waste materials such as rice straw, weeds, aquatic weeds, bark, and composted municipal green waste can provide effective weed control."
The research team also found that the greatest control (94% to 100%) of weeds occurred with the plastic mulch and three mulch layers of rice straw or cattail. Covering soil with two layers of cattail or rice straw mulch resulted in an 85% to 98% control of weeds. Plastic mulches, cattail mulch in two or three layers, and rice straw in two-layer treatments significantly increased the fruit yield without significant differences among these superior treatments. Soil mulching with three layers of rice straw, cultivation, glyphosate, and plastic mulch treatments caused a significant reduction in weed density and weed biomass, but gave lower yield than superior treatments. Total acidity and vitamin C were significantly lower in the unweeded control than most weeded treatments.
"These results demonstrate that two layers of cattail or rice straw mulch could be used effectively for controlling weeds in citrus groves. Their effectiveness in controlling weeds may increase their use in agriculture systems with a concomitant decrease in the need for synthetic herbicides. Further studies are needed to evaluate their side effects on beneficial organisms, diseases, and insects", observed Abouziena. The report included an important
'/>"/>
| Contact: Michael W. Neff mwneff@ashs.org 703-836-4606 American Society for Horticultural Science Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. New microsensor measures volatile organic compounds in water and air on-site
2. Surprise in the organic orchard -- a healthier worm in the apple
3. Study reveals that nitrogen fertilizers deplete soil organic carbon
4. Is it organic or not?
5. Uncharged organic molecule can bind negatively charged ions
6. Dissolved organic matter in the water column may influence coral health
7. Are organic crops as productive as conventional?
8. New organic molecule in space
9. Organic corn: Increasing rotation complexity increases yields
10. UNH receives $380,000 grant to study organic dairy as closed ecosystem
11. JHU chemists devise self-assembling organic wires
 Organic plant waste proves effective weed control for citrus trees |
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |