Plastic and hay mulches for tropical fruit crops: observations and economics.
Balerdi C. F.
Author Affiliation: Kendall Foods Corporation, Goulds, FL 33170, USA.
Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society 89 : 234-236
Abstract : Plastic or stable hay mulches, with drip or sprinkler irrigation, respectively, were compared with hand hoeing in newly planted avocado, mango or pawpaw groves. Good tree growth and excellent weed control were obtained with the plastic mulch but there was unsatisfactory weed control with hoeing or hay mulching. Major causes of mulch deterioration were walking on the mulch during drip irrigation installation, planting and careless handling of equipment. Costs of laying the plastic and stable hay mulches and hoeing are discussed.