Abstract
The effect of different paper mulches and two different biodegradable plastic mulches on the yield of field-grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) was examined. The studies were conducted during two climatically different growing seasons 2011 and 2012 in Southern Finland. All the mulches increased the yield as compared to bare ground. In 2011, cucumbers on all the mulches with a dark upper surface produced higher yields than those on kraft paper alone. In 2012, when the average temperatures were lower than in 2011, there were no differences in yield between different types of mulches. Soil temperatures of the experimental plots were monitored throughout the growing seasons. The mulches with a dark-colored upper surface increased the soil temperature more than the ones with a light-colored upper surface. The soil warming effect of the mulches was greater during early season and diminished when the plants grew larger and their leaves covered most of the mulch surface. There was no need for weed control except in uncovered plots. In conclusion, during both years dark-colored paper mulch was comparable to biodegradable film in yield production and could replace it as a mulch material in cucumber production.
Highlights
Low temperatures and low soil temperatures limit early cucumber production in Finland and in other countries in the temperate zone with similar climate conditions
The aim of our study carried out in southern Finland was to examine the effects of different paper mulches on the yield of cucumber, the soil temperature, and weed emergence, and to assess whether paper mulches could substitute biodegradable film mulch in cucumber production
In 2011, the average soil temperature under the double-coated black kraft paper (K2) was on average 1°C higher than under kraft paper (K), kraft paper coated on the underside with black biodegradable film (K1), or that of bare ground (BG) (Table 2)
Summary
Low temperatures and low soil temperatures limit early cucumber production in Finland and in other countries in the temperate zone with similar climate conditions. The aim of our study carried out in southern Finland was to examine the effects of different paper mulches on the yield of cucumber, the soil temperature, and weed emergence, and to assess whether paper mulches could substitute biodegradable film mulch in cucumber production. In 2012, biodegradable film (BIO) and creped kraft paper with wax coating (CKW) increased the average soil temperature as compared to bare ground (Table 3).
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