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Influence of Mulch on Postharvest Soil Temperatures and Subsequent Regrowth of Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) 1
Author(s) -
Evenson P. D.,
Rumbaugh M. D.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1972.00021962006400020008x
Subject(s) - mulch , medicago sativa , agronomy , straw , yield (engineering) , postharvest , environmental science , mathematics , biology , horticulture , materials science , metallurgy
A study was initiated to evaluate the influence of postharvest soil temperatures on alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) regrowth. Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) straw was applied to alfalfa in a variety trial following the second 1968 harvest to reduce soil temperature. Yield increases of mulched plots over unmulched plots were smallest on first harvests (<7%) and largest (43% in 1969 and 1970) on third harvests. Annual yield increases were 11% in 1969 and 17% in 1970. Straw mulch increased plant height, delayed maturity, and increased soil moisture, but did not affect alfalfa stands. Soil temperatures were as much as 9 C lower in mulched as compared to unmulched plots. Largest yield increases from mulching occurred when temperature differentials between the control and mulched plots were the greatest. Apparently, high soil temperatures are a major factor in controlling alfalfa yields.