Abstract
AbstractA new, ridge–furrow–ridge rainfall harvesting (RFRRH) system covered with black polyethylene (PE) mulch and black perforated PE mulch was studied in the cultivation of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea Moench). In the RFRRH system, PE mulch covered two ridges and a furrow between them, which serve as a rainfall harvesting zone. Soil water content, crop yield and production cost effectiveness were evaluated. We conclude that the new RFRRH system could reduce yield and increase material costs, which results in reduced income per hectare. On the other hand, the RFRRH system reduced weed control time and may therefore increase profit per hectare. It supplies at least an equal amount of water in comparison to bare ground (control), and can be used in semi‐humid or humid regions without additional irrigation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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