Report
Suitability of Spray on Mulch for In-Row Weed Control for Organically Grown Row Crops In Central Washington -2002
Washington State University
01/2003
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000002565
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/121364
Abstract
We experimented with a locally available material for use as spray-on mulch for in-row weed control on organically grown sweet corn. Keyes Fibre Co. in Wenatchee, WA recycles newsprint and cardboard to make apple-packing trays. Keyes uses a mixture of 75% newsprint and 25% corrugated cardboard, adds water in a large pulper, and then sends the resulting slurry (4% solids) into the plant. We were able to tap off the slurry at this point and use it in both greenhouse and field tests. The work was supported by a grant from Small Planet Foods Inc. to evaluate the feasibility of this weed control strategy. Timing and rate of mulch application, and subsequent effects on plant stand, development, biomass, and weed suppression were evaluated. Condition of mulch layer was also observed. Pre-emergent mulch applications suppressed both corn and weed emergence in the field and the greenhouse. Post-emergent mulch treatments allowed the corn to emerge well, with no apparent developmental delay, and suppressed weeds. The paper slurry (at 2, 3, and 4% solids concentrations) formed an acceptable mulch layer, permeable to water and strong enough to resist breaking down with multiple wet-dry cycles. Water from the pulp solution moved rapidly into the soil on application. Various concentrations and rates of application were tested in the lab and greenhouse and it was found that the 4% solution applied at 1-2 cm thickness worked best for weed suppression. In the field, a 2% solution was more practical for the application process. C-8 sweet corn showed greater vigor and produced higher amounts of biomass than the Jubilee variety.
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Details
- Title
- Suitability of Spray on Mulch for In-Row Weed Control for Organically Grown Row Crops In Central Washington -2002
- Creators
- David Granatstein - Washington State University, WSU Extension ANRElizabeth KirbyLaura VanWechel
- Academic Unit
- WSU Extension ANR
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900631030901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Report