Work

Plastic mulch increases cotton yield, reduces need for preseason irrigation

Year: 1991

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: California Agriculture

DOI: 10.3733/ca.v045n03p25

Authors: Elias Fereres, David Goldhamer

Institutions: University of Córdoba, University of California, Davis, Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center

Language: English

Topic: Irrigation Practices and Water Management

Subfield: Soil Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W1925928822

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by: 7

Related to: 10