Abstract
This paper explores the effectiveness of organic and plastic mulching for potato production in the Czech Republic. The mulching with chopped grass (GM) and black textile mulch (BTM) were compared to non-mulching control variant (C) with mechanical cultivation. Especially in plots with BTM were first formed ridges and covered by the black polypropylene non-woven textile and then they were planting. During vegetation the infestation of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), weeds biomass, course of soil temperature and soil water potential were assessed. The results showed that surface of GM had a positive effect on soil temperature reduction, soil water potential depression. This study also indicated a positive effect of GM on the larvae of CPB diminution, on the other hand higher incidence of larvae and higher defoliation was observed in BTM. GM had a significant effect on the yield of potatoes. The yield of ware potatoes was higher by 27 % higher on plots with GM and by 16 % lower on plots wit BTM in comparison with C. NeemAzal T/S decreased statistically significantly % of defoliation and increased yield of ware potatoes by 35 % in comparison with control.
Highlights
Mulching, which has become more popular lately, is an important method of soil protection in plant production
The research was mainly focused on the effect of mulching on soil temperature, soil water potential, weed biomass and occurrence of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB)
According to Brust (1994), potato is sensitive to higher soil temperature and low soil moisture and will not grow properly under these conditions
Summary
Mulching, which has become more popular lately, is an important method of soil protection in plant production. Mulch improves soil conditions, especially reduces water evaporation from soil and helps to maintain stable soil temperature (Ji and Unger, 2001; Kar and Kumar, 2007). Higher and stable soil moisture is favorable for weed germination. According to Boyd and Acker (2003), the fluctuation of soil moisture, especially in the upper soil layers, negatively influences seed germination and emergence. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of different mulch materials (organic and plastic mulch) on the yield and quality of tubers and on selected factors influencing potato production in two regions of the Czech Republic. The research was mainly focused on the effect of mulching on soil temperature, soil water potential, weed biomass and occurrence of the CPB
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