Maya Ellison
Plastic is a significant pollutant in strawberry production, with plastic mulch films widely used to enhance strawberry growth, control weeds, and prevent soil splashing on the fruit. However, this plastic contributes to long-term pollution, with fragments remaining in the soil for decades. As plastic pollution increases, soil quality decreases, impacting soil moisture, microbial respiration, and plant-available nitrogen. To reduce plastic pollution in strawberry production, alternatives to plastic mulch, such as biodegradable mulches, need to be considered to balance the benefits of weed control with the environmental consequences of plastic waste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic mulch films used in strawberry production | Plastic mulch films are extensively used in strawberry production and are tucked in around the base of the plants to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on fruit. |
| Impact on soil quality | The use of plastic mulch contributes to environmental pollution and soil degradation over time due to reduced organic matter decomposition and soil biodiversity. |
| Drawbacks of plastic mulch | Plastic mulch is a form of non-biodegradable waste that can remain in the soil for decades, negatively impacting soil quality and leading to long-term plastic pollution. |
| Alternative methods | To reduce plastic use, some farmers and gardeners use biodegradable mulches, which provide similar benefits but break down over time to minimize waste and soil degradation. |
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What You'll Learn
Use biodegradable mulches instead of plastic
Plastic mulch films are commonly used in agriculture to aid the growth of crops such as strawberries. They are used to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on fruit. However, plastic mulches are non-biodegradable and can cause significant environmental pollution. A study by California Polytechnic State University found that plastic mulch used for strawberries sheds large quantities of plastic fragments that negatively impact soil quality. These plastic particles can remain in the soil for decades, leading to soil degradation and reduced organic matter decomposition.
To address the environmental concerns associated with plastic mulch, farmers and gardeners can opt for biodegradable mulches, which provide similar benefits without the same level of waste and soil degradation. Biodegradable mulches break down over time, reducing their negative impact on the environment. Instead of having to be removed and disposed of at the end of the growing season, biodegradable mulches can be tilled into the soil, where they are converted by soil microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and microbial biomass. This process enriches the soil with organic matter, promoting soil health and fertility.
Biodegradable plastic mulches are a more sustainable alternative to polyethylene (PE) plastic mulches, which require labour and financial investments for removal and disposal. While biodegradable mulches may have slightly different properties to plastic mulches, such as a shorter lifespan, they can be just as effective at suppressing weeds and enhancing crop growth. In fact, a survey of strawberry growers in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Mid-Atlantic found that a majority of growers were interested in learning more about and adopting biodegradable plastic mulch.
When choosing a biodegradable mulch, it is important to select a material that is suitable for your specific crop and growing conditions. Some common types of biodegradable mulch include paper, cardboard, and plant-based materials such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings. It is also important to note that, while biodegradable mulches are more environmentally friendly than plastic mulches, they may still have some negative environmental impacts, especially if they are not properly managed or disposed of. For example, biodegradable mulches made from non-organic materials may contain chemicals that can leach into the soil, potentially affecting soil health and fertility.
To maximise the benefits of biodegradable mulches, it is recommended to experiment with different types and techniques to find the most suitable option for your crop. For example, you may want to try using a combination of biodegradable mulch in the rows and a different weed control method, such as landscape fabric or a living mulch, between the rows. By employing a combination of tools and methods, you can achieve a balance between profitability and environmental sustainability in your strawberry crop.
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Avoid herbicides that can damage strawberries
Plastic mulch films are commonly used in agricultural practices, especially for strawberries. They are tucked around the base of plants to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on the fruit. However, the plastic mulch used to support strawberry growth has been found to shed large quantities of plastic fragments that negatively impact soil quality. This long-term pollution can lead to soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.
To reduce the use of plastic in strawberry production, it is important to consider alternative weed management strategies. Growing strawberries as an annual crop on black plastic requires a different approach to perennial matted row strawberries. Here are some ways to avoid herbicides that can damage strawberries:
Firstly, it is crucial to avoid fields previously treated with persistent herbicides that can harm strawberries. Information on suitable crops for planting after herbicide use can be found on herbicide labels. Instead of using plastic, opt for biodegradable mulches, which provide similar benefits but break down over time, reducing waste and soil degradation.
Secondly, implement integrated weed management strategies by combining physical, cultural, and chemical methods. Choose appropriate herbicides based on the season, growth stage of the plants, and types of weeds present. Be cautious of the potential for herbicide injury to plants and only use labeled herbicides at the right times in the strawberry growth cycle. Spot spray when possible to minimize the impact on the strawberries and surrounding environment.
Thirdly, consider rotation with annual crops like pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, and grains. This introduces tillage, weed competition, and alternative herbicide options. Soil solarization is effective against perennials like thistles and dandelions. It involves covering the soil with a clear plastic tarp for 4 to 6 weeks during the hottest period to smother the weeds.
Finally, for growers using herbicides, opt for pre-emergent herbicides in the spring and after harvest to reduce the need for post-emergent applications. Post-emergent herbicides are most effective on young, actively growing weeds. Remember to apply herbicides between rows and not over the plastic to avoid damaging the strawberry plants.
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Apply mulch in rows and remove after the season
Plastic mulch films are commonly used in strawberry production to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashback. However, plastic mulch contributes to environmental pollution and soil degradation due to its non-biodegradable nature. To reduce plastic usage in strawberry cultivation, farmers can opt for biodegradable mulches or alternative materials like straw.
Straw mulch is crucial for protecting strawberry plants during winter and enhancing the health of the next season's crop. It insulates the plants, preventing damage or death of the crowns from extremely low temperatures. The application of straw mulch should occur when the soil temperature has been consistently at 40°F or below for three days, indicating the plants' dormancy. In regions like Minnesota, this usually happens between November and December.
For strawberry growers, the process of applying mulch in rows and removing it after the season is essential. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
- Application: Spread straw mulch at a rate of 2.5 to 3.0 tons per acre, aiming for a coverage of 2 to 3 inches over the strawberry plants. Small-scale operations can manually apply straw by hand, ensuring it reaches the base of the plants. For larger farms, mechanical mulchers that grind and blow straw over the rows are more efficient.
- Timing of Removal: The proper timing for straw mulch removal is critical to balancing frost protection and harvest timing. In general, remove straw mulch when new leaf growth begins in the spring, usually in late March or early April. Check your strawberry plants regularly during this period for emerging leaves, which may be green or yellow.
- Technique for Removal: Use a rake to gently uncover the plants, removing the straw mulch. Leave a thin layer of straw, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch, to help suppress weeds, reduce disease, and keep the strawberries off the soil.
- Post-Removal Care: After removing the majority of the straw mulch, concentrate on uncovering the earlier-fruiting strawberry varieties first, as this technique helps pinpoint the ideal timing for straw removal. Additionally, consider removing the mulch just before rainfall, as this aids the plants' response and keeps the remaining mulch in place.
By following these steps for applying and removing straw mulch in rows, strawberry growers can effectively protect their plants while reducing plastic usage in their farming practices.
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Use alternative weed management strategies
Plastic mulch films are commonly used in strawberry farming to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on the fruit. However, plastic mulch contributes to environmental pollution and soil degradation due to its non-biodegradability. To reduce plastic usage in strawberry farming, alternative weed management strategies are necessary. Here are some detailed instructions for implementing alternative weed management strategies:
Use biodegradable mulches: Biodegradable mulches, such as organic mulches, provide similar benefits to plastic mulches in weed control and water conservation but break down over time, reducing waste and soil degradation. Examples of organic mulches include straw mulch and used vinyl billboards, which can effectively smother certain weeds.
Practice soil solarization: Soil solarization is a technique that involves covering the soil with a clear plastic tarp during the hottest period of the year, typically for 4 to 6 weeks. This method utilizes solar energy to heat the soil, effectively killing germinating weeds. It is particularly suitable for inland areas with warm climates and has been shown to be effective against perennials like thistles and dandelions.
Implement integrated weed management: Combine multiple weed management strategies for optimal results. For example, integrate physical, cultural, and chemical strategies, such as hand-weeding, crop rotation, and selective herbicide applications. Hand-weeding is crucial for removing weeds that escape other control methods and for organic weed management. Crop rotation with annual crops like pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, and grains introduces weed competition and alternative herbicide options. When using herbicides, follow the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide for recommendations on effective and safe applications.
Utilize pre-planting strategies: Proper field and bed preparation are crucial for effective weed control. Before planting strawberries, scout the intended fields to identify the distribution and density of annual, biannual, and perennial weeds. Avoid fields with a history of infestation by certain weeds, such as hairy nightshade, which can host soilborne diseases. Additionally, consider preplant soil fumigation with alternative fumigants like chloropicrin or a mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene/chloropicrin, followed by specific chemical applications. The use of totally impermeable film (TIF) in conjunction with fumigation enhances weed control.
Apply pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides: To manage weeds that emerge in late fall or spring and grow under the plastic, apply preemergence herbicides to the preformed bed before laying the plastic. For actively growing weeds that have emerged from the plastic, apply postemergence herbicides directly over the top of the strawberry crop. This method targets weeds at different stages of their growth cycle for effective control.
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Assess the impact of plastic on soil quality
Plastic mulch films are commonly used in agriculture to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on fruit. However, this practice has been found to negatively impact soil quality, particularly in strawberry production.
A study led by California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) found that the plastic mulch used for strawberry cultivation sheds large quantities of plastic fragments that remain in the soil for decades. These macroplastic particles, larger than 5mm in size, can accumulate in the soil and negatively affect its quality. The study also noted that the fields they surveyed had up to 213,500 macroplastic particles per hectare, not including subsurface particles.
In addition to macroplastics, microplastics (smaller than 5mm) are also a significant concern. Microplastics can enter the soil through various pathways, including the degradation of plastic mulching materials due to sun ultraviolet radiation, rain, wind, and abrasion. They can also come from biosolids, stormwater, encapsulation of pesticides and herbicides, and plastic sheeting mulch. The accumulation of microplastics in the soil can impact its bulk density, microbial activity, water-holding capacity, and water-stable aggregates. As microplastic levels increase, soil moisture content, microbial respiration, and plant-available nitrogen decrease.
The presence of plastics in the soil can also affect the soil's biophysical structure and biodiversity. It can alter the temperature of the soil, with black plastic absorbing sunlight and warming the soil, while white or silver plastic reflects sunlight and keeps the soil cooler. Over time, the reduced decomposition of organic matter and decreased soil biodiversity can lead to soil degradation.
To mitigate the impact of plastic on soil quality, some farmers and gardeners have adopted biodegradable mulches. These provide similar benefits to plastic mulch but break down over time, reducing waste and soil degradation. Additionally, proper plastic management and disposal practices are crucial to preventing the accumulation of microplastics in the environment, protecting human health, biodiversity, and the climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic mulch films are used in strawberry farming to control weeds and pathogens, reduce water evaporation, and prevent soil splashing on the fruit.
Plastic mulch is a form of non-biodegradable waste that can lead to soil degradation over time due to reduced organic matter decomposition and soil biodiversity. It also sheds large quantities of plastic fragments that negatively impact soil quality.
Some farmers and gardeners use biodegradable mulches, which provide many of the same benefits as plastic mulch but break down over time to reduce waste and soil degradation.
