scholarly journals A Comparison of Three Cold-climate Strawberry Production Systems: Environmental Effects

HortScience ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Stevens ◽  
Brent L. Black ◽  
John D. Lea-Cox ◽  
Ali M. Sadeghi ◽  
Jennifer Harman-Fetcho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Effects ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Nitrogen Losses ◽  
First Year ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Flow Meters ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Hand Weeding ◽  
Field Plots

The environmental effects of the three strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) cold-climate production systems were compared: the traditional method of conventional matted row (CMR) and the two more recently developed practices of advanced matted row (AMR) and cold-climate plasticulture (CCP). Side-by-side field plots were instrumented with automated flow meters and samplers to measure and collect runoff, which was filtered and analyzed to determine soil, pesticide, and nitrogen losses. Although annual mean runoff volumes were similar for all three production systems, the soil losses from CMR plots were two to three times greater than the CCP plots throughout the study and two to three times greater than the AMR plots only in the first year of the 3-year study. In general, decreases in erosion and runoff volumes were observed in plots that were disturbed less by machine operations and had less foot traffic as a result of decreased need for hand weeding and in the plots that used straw mulch in the furrows between the beds. Timing and intensity of precipitation events also influenced the amount of soil erosion. Pesticide residues and nitrogen losses were also greatest in the runoff from the CMR plots. The two systems that used drip fertigation, AMR and CCP, also had higher nitrogen uptake efficiencies. Overall, the CCP and AMR systems performed similarly for most criteria; however, considering the nonrenewable nature of the plastic mulch and the need to dispose of the plastic mulch in a landfill, the AMR system was more environmentally sustainable than the CCP system.

scholarly journals (219) Organic Watermelon Production Systems: Varieties and Weed Control

HortScience ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1034C-1034
Author(s):  
Charles L. Webber ◽  
Angela R. Davis ◽  
James W. Shrefler ◽  
Penelope Perkins-Veazie ◽  
Vincent M. Russo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Citrullus Lanatus ◽  
Point Location ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Center Point ◽  
Black Plastic ◽  
Hand Weeding ◽  
The Impact

The increasing perception by consumers that organic food tastes better and is healthier continues to expand the demand for organically produced crops. The objective of these experiments was to investigate the impact of different weed control systems on yields of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) varieties grown organically. Six watermelon varieties were transplanted at two locations (Lane and Center Point, Okla.). The six varieties included three seeded varieties (`Early Moonbeam', `Sugar Baby', and `Allsweet') and three seedless varieties (`Triple Crown', `Triple Prize', and `Triple Star'). The weed control system at Lane utilized black plastic mulch on the crop row, while the area between rows was cultivated to control weeds. The no-till organic system at Center Point used a mowed rye and vetch cover crop, hand weeding, and vinegar (5% acetic acid) for weed control. When averaged across watermelon varieties, Lane produced significantly more fruit per plant (4.2 vs. 2.3 fruit/plant), greater marketable yields (16.0 vs. 8.4 kg/plants), and higher average marketable weight per fruit (6.1 vs. 4.0 kg) than at Center Point. When comparing locations, four of six varieties had significantly greater number of fruit per plant and higher marketable yields at Lane than at Center Point. Except for `Early Moonbeam', all other varieties produced significantly heavier fruit at Lane than at Center Point. In contrast, the Center Point location produced a greater percentage of marketable fruit for all varieties except `Allsweet'. Fruit quality (lycopene and °Brix) was as good or greater when harvested from the weedier Center Point location.

scholarly journals Consumer Preference among Three Cold-climate Strawberry Production Systems

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1139B-1139
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Stevens ◽  
Judith A. Abbott ◽  
John D. Lea-Cox ◽  
Brent L. Black
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Consumer Preference ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Fruit Rot ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
The Social ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Social Components ◽  
Initial Impressions

Three cold-climate strawberry production systems, conventional matted row, advanced matted row, and cold-climate annual hill plasticulture, were compared for consumer preference in a pick-your-own (PYO) setting. Replicated 6 × 15 m plots were established in 2002 in Maryland and cropped in 2003 and 2004. To simulate PYO marketing, volunteers were recruited to harvest 3.6-m plots in each of the three production systems and to complete a five-part questionnaire. The questionnaire collected demographic information and allowed volunteers to compare the three systems both prior to and after their harvesting experience. Harvests were carried out twice weekly, with 75 participants in 2003 and 45 participants in 2004. The 2003 season was cool and wet, with frequent rainfall and a high incidence of fruit rot. Spring 2004 was unseasonably hot, resulting in an unusually short harvest season. Consumer preference differed between years and among harvests within a season. The annual hill system was favored early in the 2003 season, with preference shifting to the other systems as the season progressed. The advanced matted row was favored early in the 2004 season. Many of the participants' comments, both positive and negative, were directed at the plastic mulch and raised beds. In several cases, participants indicated that their preferences after picking from each system did not match their initial impressions. Implications of this research to the social components of sustainability will be discussed.

scholarly journals Strawberry Growth and Productivity in Fumigated Compared to Compost-amended Production Systems

HortScience ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonor F.S. Leandro ◽  
Lisa M. Ferguson ◽  
Frank J. Louws ◽  
Gina E. Fernandez
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
First Year ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Trichoderma Hamatum ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Field Plots

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchnesne) growth and productivity were compared in fumigated and nonfumigated production systems. Strawberry transplants grown in potting mix amended with Trichoderma hamatum (Bonord.) Bainier, strain T382, Trichoderma harzianum Rifai, strain T22, or untreated, were planted in field plots treated with compost, compost amended with T. hamatum strain T382, Telone-C35, or not treated. Plants were sampled throughout the growing season, and dry weights of roots, crowns, leaves, flowers and fruit, leaf area, and total and marketable yield were determined. Trichoderma amendments to the potting mix improved plant dry weight and leaf area of strawberry transplants in the first year and suppressed root rot incidence in the second year but did not affect plant growth or disease incidence once the plants were set in the field. Field plants in fumigated plots had greater root, leaf, and crown dry weights, leaf area, and yield compared with plants in the other soil treatments. We conclude that Trichoderma amendments (1) alone had little benefit to plug plant growth and (2) in combination with compost, had no benefit to strawberry plant growth in the field. The task remains to develop a reliable and sustainable strawberry production system that does not rely on chemical fumigants.

scholarly journals Control Recommendations for Black Medic (Medicago lupulina) Based on Growth and Development in Competition with Strawberry

Weed Science ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun M. Sharpe ◽  
Nathan S. Boyd ◽  
Peter J. Dittmar ◽  
Greg E. MacDonald ◽  
Rebecca L. Darnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth And Development ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Stem Length ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Flower Buds ◽  
Medicago Lupulina ◽  
Hand Weeding ◽  
Spray Timing ◽  
Time Frames

Strawberries are an important horticultural crop in Florida. Black medic is among the most problematic weeds within the production system. To better coordinate control measures, black medic growth and development while in competition with strawberry was studied. Twelve plants were randomly selected at each of four field sites in Hillsborough County, FL, in 2014. Plants were repeatedly measured over the growing season for stem length and number of primary branches, flower buds, flowers, and seed clusters. Growing degree days (GDD) were calculated (Tbase=0 C) starting from the hole-punch application of the plastic mulch (October 8, 2014, to October 10, 2014) from weather station data generated from the Florida Automated Weather Network. Strawberry height and width increased consistently across all sites, but black medic growth and development varied considerably. Strawberry suppressed black medic growth up to 1,805 cumulative GDD at three of four sites where black medic remained beneath the strawberry canopy. After 1,805 GDD, the black medic stems still remained below but experienced exponential growth for total stem length and, in turn, flower buds, inflorescence, and immature seed clusters. Ideal clopyralid spray timing based on susceptible plant size was 890 to 1,152 GDD. Optimal hand-weeding time frames would likely occur as the plant stems expand beyond the strawberry canopy (to improve visibility) and before flower production to prevent seed return to the seedbank. First seed production was observed at 1,200 GDD at the earliest site and between 1,966 to 2,365 GDD across all the other sites. Overall, consistent trends were observed across sites, but between-site variability was observed that could not be accounted for by differences in temperature.

scholarly journals Barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Goldberger ◽  
Robert Emmet Jones ◽  
Carol A. Miles ◽  
Russell W. Wallace ◽  
Debra A. Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Biodegradable Plastic ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Specialty Crop ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Polyethylene Mulch

AbstractCommercial farmers have been using polyethylene plastic mulch since the 1950s. Despite the affordability and effectiveness of polyethylene mulch, the disposal process is financially and environmentally costly. Biodegradable plastic mulches, an ecologically sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, were introduced in the 1980s. Biodegradable plastic mulches can be tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the season, reducing the labor and environmental costs associated with plastic removal and disposal. However, research results are mixed as to the effectiveness, degradability and ease-of-use of biodegradable plastic mulches. In 2008–2012, researchers, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, conducted surveys and focus groups in three different agricultural regions of the USA to better understand the barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for specialty crop production systems. Data on the experiences and views of specialty crop growers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, mulch manufacturers and other stakeholders showed that the major adoption barriers were insufficient knowledge, high cost and unpredictable breakdown. The major bridges to adoption were reduced waste, environmental benefits and interest in further learning. These findings are discussed with reference to the classic innovation diffusion model, specifically work on the innovation–decision process and the attributes of innovations. The study results can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development and promotion of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production systems.

Can hemp hurd or paper mulch and biochar application improve weed management in matted-row strawberry production systems?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Greta G. Gramig ◽  
Samantha K. Hogstad ◽  
Patrick M. Carr
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Weed Biomass ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hemp Hurd ◽  
Amended Soil

Abstract During 2015 and 2016, studies were conducted at Absaraka and Dickinson, North Dakota to evaluate the impacts of hemp (applied at 1156 m3 ha−1) and commercial paper mulch, as well as soil-applied biochar (applied at 11.25 m3 ha−1), on weed suppression and strawberry growth during the establishment year, and on weed suppression and strawberry yield during the production year, in a matted row production (MRP) system. During 2015, biochar influenced dry weed biomass only within the hemp mulch, with slightly more weed biomass associated with biochar application compared to zero biochar (3.1 vs 0.4 g m−2), suggesting that biochar may have increased weed germination and/or emergence from beneath hemp mulch. Biochar application also slightly increased soil pH, from 6.9 in non-amended soil to 7.0 in amended soil. Strawberry runner number during 2015 was greater in association with hemp or paper mulch compared to zero mulch (4.5 and 4.9 vs 2.4 runners plant −1, respectively). This result mirrored a similar differential in per berry mass across sites (7.6 and 7.4 vs 6.2 g berry −1 for hemp mulch, paper mulch and zero mulch, respectively). These results may be related to hemp and paper mulch reducing maximum soil temperatures during summer 2015. During the establishment year, both hemp and paper mulch suppressed weeds well compared to zero mulch, although at Absaraka hemp mulch provided slightly better weed suppression than paper mulch. During the production year, both mulches continued to suppress weeds compared to zero mulch at Dickinson. However, at Absaraka, only hemp mulch provided weed suppression compared to zero mulch, possibly because of faster paper degradation caused by greater numbers of large precipitation events and greater relative humidity at Absaraka compared to Dickinson. Weeds were removed from plots during 2015 to allow separation of weed suppression from other possible mulch impacts; therefore, yield data do not reveal striking differences among mulch treatments. Because previous research has demonstrated the impact of weed management during the establishment of strawberries in a matted row system, we concluded that hemp mulch may provide more durable weed suppression compared to paper mulch, which would increase strawberry yield protection in an MRP system. Material cost may be an issue for implementing hemp mulch, as hemp hurd cost was 25 times paper mulch at the application rates used in this study. However, hemp mulch could still be a beneficial option, especially for organic strawberry growers desiring a renewable and environmentally sound replacement for plastic mulch who are able to find affordable local sources of this material.

scholarly journals Runoff Loss of Pesticides and Soil: A Comparison between Vegetative Mulch and Plastic Mulch in Vegetable Production Systems

2001 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1808-1821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela J. Rice ◽  
Laura L. McConnell ◽  
Lynne P. Heighton ◽  
Ali M. Sadeghi ◽  
Allan R. Isensee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Plastic Mulch

Effect of Soil Constituents on Herbicide Activity in Modified-Soil Field Plots

Weed Science ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-459 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.B. Weber ◽  
S.B. Weed ◽  
T.W. Waldrep
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Biological Activity ◽  
Cation Exchange Capacity ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Montmorillonite Clay ◽  
First Year ◽  
Herbicide Activity ◽  
Field Plots ◽  
Soil Constituents ◽  
Modified Soil

An organic muck and a montmorillonite clay were incorporated into the surface 7.6 cm of a structureless sandy soil at rates ranging from 26,880 to 89,600 kg/ha. Prometryne [2,4-bis(isopropylamino)-6-(methylthio)-s-triazine] and fluometuron [1,1-dimethyl-3-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)urea] were surface-applied and trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) were incorporated at two rates each in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Organic matter greatly reduced the biological activity of all three herbicides. Montmorillonite clay greatly reduced the activity of prometryne, slightly decreased the activity of fluometuron, and had no significant effect on trifluralin activity in all but the first year of the study. Both soil additives increased the cation exchange capacity of the soil. Muck decreased soil pH while montmorillonite increased it.

Occurrence and Dispersal of Indicator Bacteria on Cucumbers Grown Horizontally or Vertically on Various Mulch Types

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (10) ◽  
pp. 1663-1672 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHIRLEY A. MICALLEF ◽  
MARY THERESA CALLAHAN ◽  
SIVARANJANI PAGADALA
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Dairy Manure ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Dispersal Patterns ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Thermotolerant Coliforms ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT No data exist on the impact of cultivation practices on food safety risks associated with cucumber. Cucumbers are typically grown horizontally over a mulch cover, with fruit touching the ground, but this vining plant grows well in vertical systems. To assess whether production system affects bacterial dispersal onto plants, field trials were conducted over 2 years. Cucumber cultivar ‘Marketmore 76’ was grown horizontally on plastic, straw, or bare ground or vertically on trellises installed on bare ground in soil previously amended with raw dairy manure. Fruit, flower, leaf, and soil samples were collected to quantify Escherichia coli, thermotolerant coliforms, and enterococci by direct plating. E. coli isolates were characterized by BOX-PCR to evaluate relatedness among strains. Although thermotolerant coliforms and enterococci were significantly less abundant on fruit in year 1 (P < 0.05), this result was not seen in year 2 when more rain was recorded. Instead, fruit from straw-mulched beds had higher levels of enterococci compared with fruit grown on bare ground (P < 0.05). Leaves on bare ground occasionally had more bacteria than did leaves on plastic mulch beds (P < 0.05). Production system did not impact flower-associated bacterial levels. E. coli isolates (n =127) were genotyped, generating 21 distinct fingerprints. Vertical production did not appear to be a barrier for E. coli dispersal to the crop, as suggested by numerous related isolates from soil and flowers on bare ground, straw-mulched, and trellised beds (subcluster B1). None of the isolates from soil and flowers in this subcluster were related to isolates recovered from fruit, showing that flower colonization does not necessarily lead to fruit colonization. One cluster of isolates contained those from flowers and fruits but not soil, indicating a source other than manure-amended soil. Straw may be a source of E. coli; a number of closely related E. coli isolates were retrieved from soil and fruits from straw-mulched beds. Our approach revealed E. coli dispersal patterns and could be used to assess bacterial transmission in other production systems.

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