Mulch materials in processing tomato: a multivariate approach

Marta María Moreno,Ana María Tarquis,Carmen Moreno

doi:10.1590/s0103-90162013000400005

Marta María Moreno, Ana María Tarquis + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0103-90162013000400005

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Abstract

Mulch materials of different origins have been introduced into the agricultural sector in recent years alternatively to the standard polyethylene due to its environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the multivariate response of mulch materials over three consecutive years in a processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) crop in Central Spain. Two biodegradable plastic mulches (BD1, BD2), one oxo-biodegradable material (OB), two types of paper (PP1, PP2), and one barley straw cover (BS) were compared using two control treatments (standard black polyethylene [PE] and manual weed control [MW]). A total of 17 variables relating to yield, fruit quality, and weed control were investigated. Several multivariate statistical techniques were applied, including principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. A group of mulch materials comprised of OB and BD2 was found to be comparable to black polyethylene regarding all the variables considered. The weed control variables were found to be an important source of discrimination. The two paper mulches tested did not share the same treatment group membership in any case: PP2 presented a multivariate response more similar to the biodegradable plastics, while PP1 was more similar to BS and MW. Based on our multivariate approach, the materials OB and BD2 can be used as an effective, more environmentally friendly alternative to polyethylene mulches.

Highlights

Mulching is the most common worldwide technique employed by vegetable growers in protected cultivation
A group of mulch materials comprised of oxo-biodegradable material (OB) and BD2 was found to be comparable to black polyethylene regarding all the variables considered
The best solution is to find a material with a lifetime similar to the crop duration time that can be later incorporated by the agricultural system through a biodegradation process (Martín-Closas and Pelacho, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

Mulching is the most common worldwide technique employed by vegetable growers in protected cultivation. The best solution is to find a material with a lifetime similar to the crop duration time that can be later incorporated by the agricultural system through a biodegradation process (Martín-Closas and Pelacho, 2011). In this context, several biodegradable materials have been used as alternatives in the last years, including oxo-biodegradable films, biopolymer mulches, different types of papers, and crop residues (Kasirajan and Ngouajio, 2012). The literature review conducted for this article did not reveal previous studies that considered the existence of a group of mulch materials similar to the conventional polyethylene but more respectful with the environment while simultaneously evaluating various variables of different nature

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