Plastic mulch increases cotton yield, reduces need for preseason irrigation
Preseason irrigation of cotton has been identified as the single largest contributor to the drainage problem in the central San Joaquin Valley. By applying plastic mulch at earlier than normal planting dates, we conserved soil moisture that would have normally been lost to...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
1991-05-01
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| Series: | California Agriculture |
| Online Access: | http://calag.ucanr.edu/archive/?article=ca.v045n03p25 |
| Summary: | Preseason irrigation of cotton has been identified as the single largest contributor
to the drainage problem in the central San Joaquin Valley. By applying plastic mulch
at earlier than normal planting dates, we conserved soil moisture that would have
normally been lost to the atmosphere. The mulch also raised soil temperatures, resulting
in rapid germination and early plant growth. Yields of Pima S-6 and Acala SJ-2 were
39% and 8% higher than nonmulched plots, respectively. Net profit increased by about
$450 per acre for Pima because it attracted a higher price. |
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| ISSN: | 0008-0845 2160-8091 |