The impact of different types of organic mulches on weed emergence
Lithuanian University of Agriculture, Studentų 11, Akademija, Kauno rajonas 53076,Lithuania; e-mail: Darija.Jodaugiene@lzuu.lt
Abstract:
A two – factor experiment was carried out in the Experiment Station of Lithuanian University of Agriculture in 2004 – 2005. Different organic mulches, chopped wheat straw, peat, wood chips, grass and wood chips, and wood chips which had been stored for 8 years (only in 2005) were overspead by a layer of 5 cm and 10 cm thickness. The influence of different organic mulches on weed emergence was evaluated. All organic mulches reduced weed germination. The positive effect of mulches was particularly obvious in the period of intensive germination of weeds. Straw, peat and wood chips had the strongest influence on the decrease of weed germination, however, it is important to make sure that mulches are not infected with weed seeds. Mulch of chopped grass is quick to decompose, therefore, repeated mulching is required to protect the crop from weeds. Key wods: organic mulches, weed emergence, annual weeds, perennial weeds
Key words:
annual weeds, organic mulches, perennial weeds, weed emergence