Testing of moisture-saturating polymers and synthetic mulching materials for growing fruit and berry crops

Abstract

The article studies the growth and development of red raspberry (Rubus idaelus L.), Nanjing cherry (Prunus tomentosa Thunb.), golden currants (Ribes aureum Pursh.), and sea buckthorn (Hippophaerhamnoides L.) in the variants of the experiment polymer gel + film + additional wetting by rainwater and meltwater runoff; polymer gel + film; polymer gel; control (without polymer gel and film). It was established that the use of a mulching black film could increase the moisture content of the root zone by up to 40%. When determining the water deficit, it was found that the experimental plants lost less moisture. Under the influence of hydrogels, the irrigation depth of fruit and berry crops was reduced by 50%. It was found that the black mulch film had a warming effect on the soil, which also had a positive effect on plant growth and development increasing the root zone temperature. Red raspberry bushes formed better when using hydrogels in the soil; during seasonal observations, an increased number of first-year canes was noted up to 2.5 higher than in the control. The hydrogel and mulching film had the best effect on Nanjing cherries, increasing the number of leaves on experimental plants and formed fruit shoots. Sea buckthorn under the film exceeded biometric indicators by 2 times vs the control plants. In golden currant plants, the best growth and development were observed in the variant using hydrogel and mulching film; foundation stocks developed intensively and bore fruit better with the experiment continuation, it is possible to obtain high profits from the sale of grown products. The use of hydrogels and mulch film reduces herbicide costs by reducing weeds and producing organic fruits and berries.