Fleeces and perforated plastic mulches in comparison. Impact on growth and yield of early potatoes in organic agriculture

摘要

In a field experiment on a commercial organic farm conducted by Fachhochschule Osnabruck in north-central Germany, five different covers for early potatoes were tested. Fleece with 17 g/m2, a perforated plastic with 500 holes/m2 and a thermo perforated plastic with again 500 holes/m2 were compared, including combinations of treatments. Results showed earlier emergence by 8 to 15 days with the covers compared to control. Yields with all crop covers were higher than controls. An economic analysis, including material and handling costs of the crop cover, and increased yields (two harvests) under organic conditions showed that any cover was profitable, with the highest gains from the perforated plastic. Double plastic and thermo plastic produced only lower increases of net margin. It is however mentioned that plastic covers produce condensate water which may increase diseases, and water supply is less constant.