Abstract:
In the organic system black polyethylene mulch is often used for weed
control in a range of crops. However, using of black polypropylene mulch is
usually restricted to perennial crops. In this experiment black polypropylene
woven mulch was tested in potatoes under the organic system and using of
mulch was compared with bare soil. The trial with two varieties of early
potatoes Finka and Katka was conducted at the Experimental station of
Department of Crop Production of the Czech University of Life Science
Prague-Uhříněves in the Czech Republic. The result showed that the black
polypropylene textile had a positive effect on soil temperature (in the depth of
100 mm). After planting slightly higher soil temperatures under black
polypropylene mulch had a favourable influence on earlier stands emergence
of potatoes. On an average of vegetation period soil water potential (in the
depth of 250 mm) and also soil water content was higher under black
polypropylene mulch than in control treatment. However, after planting as
well as at the end of vegetation lower values of soil water potentials were
found out under black polypropylene mulch. Black polypropylene mulch
provided favourable temperatures and soil moisture for potatoes. Post
harvest analyses were focused on the determination of the yield and the
quality of tubers from each variant
