Hydramulch for Muskmelon and Bell Pepper Crop Production Systems

摘要

Hydramulch is an experimental biodegradable mulch material comprising cotton by-products, newspaper, gypsum, and a proprietary adhesive. Three formulations of hydramulch were evaluated for potential use as a more sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch for vegetable production at Loxahatchee in southeastern Florida and at Gainesville in north central Florida. Two crops with differing shoot architecture were selected to evaluate canopy effects on weed suppression and the persistence of hydramulch. Less cracking and wind removal of hydramulch occurred with muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) than with bell pepper (Capsicum annuurn L.) and with 4-mm-thick hy-dramulch compared with 2-mm-thick material. Hydramulch suppressed broadleaf weeds and grasses, but was readily penetrated by purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundas L.)... Muskmelon and bell pepper shoot growth was significantly lower with hydramulch compared with polyethylene rnulch. Marketable yield of muskmelon with hydramulch at Lox-ahatchee and Gainesville was only 56% and 7%, respectively, of the yield obtained with polyethylene mulch. No differences in weed infestation, crop biomass, and crop yield occurred due to hydramulch formulation. Current formulations of hydramulch appear to be applicable to crops with vining plant canopies like cucurbits that can protect hydramulch from cracking, help to anchor the mulch, and aid in suppressing weeds. Locations with nutsedge infestations should be avoided.