The ENergy and WATer BALance (ENWATBAL) model is a mechanistic, numerical model that simulates soil water and temperature profiles, evaporation from soil, and transpiration from crops, but it does not simulate the effects of a mulch layer. Surface vegetative mulches are becoming more common, especially in reduced-tillage systems, limiting the model’s applicability. Our objective was to modify E...

Recent studies have shown an insecticidal effect of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) Gray (Asterales: Asteraceae) foliage on workers of Atta cephalotes L. and inhibitory effects of this plant on the growth of the symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (A. Müler) Singer. To evaluate the potential of T. diversifolia as a biological control treatment of this important pest, we assessed the eff...

Aims: To study the response of plant spacing and mulch material on post harvest disease incidence sensory evaluation in Strawberry.
 Study Design: The investigation was laid a factorial randomized block design.
 Place Duration Study: Sample: Farmer’s field Dhankhuloi village Jorhat district,Assam Department Horticulture,Assam Agricultural University,Jorhat,India, during November-April...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cover crops on pest/beneficial dynamics and to test the potential of living mulch on enhancing biological control against insect pests. The research, carried out in the frame of the InterVeg (Core Organic II) project, involved four European countries: Germany, Slovenia, Denmark and Italy. Three crops were tested: cauliflower, leek and artichok...

Soil temperature controls plant growth and many related processes in the soil. A mulch or crop residue covering the soil may alter soil temperatures significantly. Available simulation models often lack experimental data for the mulch thermal conductivity and its dependence on air velocity. The apparent thermal conductivity (k) of wheat straw, pine straw, tire chips, dry sandy soil, and the the...

There is an increased interest in the use of soil-biodegradable plastic mulch due to limited disposal options for conventional polyethylene mulch. However, information about impact continuous on environment limited. Here, we show effects soil and groundwater quality from mulches crop production four consecutive seasons. Two products were assessed at two locations (Knoxville, TN Mount Vernon, WA...