The Effect of Wood Fiber Mulch on Water Retention, Soil Temperature and Growth of Vegetable Plants

ABSTRACT

The suitability of wood fiber materials as soil cover mulch in relation to soil moisture and temperature was investigated. The uncomposted wood fiber applied with adhesives formed a sturdy mat after spreading onto the soil. Evaporation of water was reduced and temperature fluctuations in the soil were dampened compared with bare soil. This was determined in incubation experiments as well as in container, greenhouse, and field trials with plants.

Cultivated plants showed no damaging effects or nutrient deficiency symptoms caused by wood fiber mulch (WFM). Analyses of the plant parameters and yields of bean and lettuce plants showed the growth-promoting effects using WFM in comparison with bare soil. Head firmness of lettuce was significantly higher, and total yield showed a tendency to increase compared with bare soil. Additional application of sawdust or soil conditioner did not significantly change the mulch properties or show any positive effect on plant growth.

KEYWORDS:

• Lactuca sativa L
• lettuce
• organic mulch
• soil characteristics
• soil cover mulch
• water tension

This study was supported by C.A.R.M.E.N., a program of Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture. Wood fiber mulch was available free of charge from Blieninger Co., Vilsbiburg. Thanks to Prof. Dr. W.H. Schnitzler, TU Munich and M.J. Maher, Teagasc, Kinsealy Research Centre, Dublin for the critical reading of this manuscript.