Abstract

In Sept.1993, `Navaho' blackberries were planted in raised beds in a converted bermudagrass hay meadow. Tall fescue was planted between the beds. There are three plants per plot and nine replications with 1.3 m between plants, 3 m between plots, and 5 m between rows. Each row is one replication. The plots are 3 m wide and 3.9 m long. Weed management treatments were applied in a randomized complete-block design, and included: alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cover crop, rye (Secale cereale) cover crop, herbicide (simazine and oryzalin) and hoeing, mowing volunteer vegetation, and hardwood sawdust mulch 8 to 10 cm deep. In Spring 1994 and 1995, data were taken on weed populations in each of the plots. In early 1995, the blackberry plants were measured. Data taken included cane number, cane length, and cane diameter. Early results indicate that the best blackberry plant growth occurred when rows were maintained with no mulch or vegetation by application of herbicides and hoeing. However, these plots sustained significant soil erosion, which may result in decreased plant productivity over time.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call