Cover Effects of Spunbonded Polypropylene Mulch and Rowcover on Spinach Growth and Environment

Abstract

Effects of a rowcover and a mulching on plant growth and rhizospheric environment (soil hardness, soil moisture and soil temperature) were examined. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) was used and tested on late July, 1991 and mid February, 1992. Plants were covered with a spunbonded polypropylene fabric when two leaves unfolded. Following environment were measured through the experiment; air temperature, soil temperature at a depth of 10cm, matric potential of soil water at a depth of 15cm and penetration resistance of 10cm thick soil layer.
Matric potential of soil water and penetration resistance of soil were decreased by both treatments, and soil temperature was increased only in spring. Plant growth was enhanced by the rowcover than by mulching in spring. Differences of plant growth between the rowcover and the mulching sections showed that the modification of atmospheric environment by the rowcover is effective for spinach growth, but the modification for rhizospheric environment also affect to the spinach growth.