Abstract
Italian ryegrass cultivar“Futaharu”and centipedegrass were considered to be suitable for covering soil surface between pineapple rows from the standpoint of soil conservation in Ishigaki island. Italian ryegrass and centipedegrass grew well within 6 months and by 1 year, respectively, after planted between pineapple rows. Since pineapple growth was reduced because of the height of the Italian ryegrass, it was considered that cover crops should be planted a little apart from pineapples.
To avoid competition between pineapple and cover crops and stabilize the emergence of cover crops, usage of two cover materials together with cover crops was examined. Consequently, cotton sheet combined with centipedegrass, laid 30cm apart from the pineapple rows, covered successfully soil surface between pineapple rows mulched with black vinyl sheet. However, the problem of the high cost involved and the difficulty of weed control remained to be resolved. This method is applicable for establishing turf stands in tropical and subtropical areas.
