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1
Sisli, Zekiye. "Degradable Mulch Films For Agricultural Purposes." Master's thesis, METU, 2012. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12615022/index.pdf.
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The plastic mulch films, which are mostly made from LDPE, are used in order to increase the yields and to prevent the weed growth by covering the top of the soil by leaves or straw in nature. After a period, the mulch films turn into unmanageable quantities of soiled plastic films, which cause an environmental problem. Using degradable mulch films for agricultural purposes can be a solution for the environmental problems caused by the plastic mulch films.
In this study, to introduce biodegradability to mulch films, a natural biopolymer starch was used. Before blending, starch was transformed into thermoplastic starch in order to make the starch processable. The need, to provide adhesion and interaction between thermoplastic starch and LDPE, citric and stearic acid were considered as compatibilizers. To accelerate the degradation of the LDPE matrix, three pro-oxidants cobalt(II) acetylacetonate, iron(III) stearate and manganase(II) stearate were used.
The films prepared were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy<br>their thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed and buried under soil. The films recovered from soil after 76 days were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, their weight loss were measured and their thermal and mechanical properties were analyzed.
Studies showed that the use of cobalt(II) acetylacetonate gave improved results in terms of the mechanical properties and thermal stabilities of the films. Additionally, it is observed that the use of citric acid as a compatibilizer improved the thermal stabilities of starch in the films.
Lastly, it is observed that the mechanical properties of the films were affected by the interactions between compatibilizers and pro-oxidants.
2
Costa, Ana Catarina Loureiro. "Influência de dois tipos de cobertura do solo na produtividade e na fitossanidade do morangueiro." Master's thesis, ISA/UTL, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/5355.
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Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de Agronomia<br>Strawberry is an important horticulture crop which is traditionally grown in raised beds covered with plastic. The high cost of removal and treatment of plastics waste led to the study with films of natural and biodegradable source. The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of two mulchs, a conventional plastic and a biodegradable film, in productivity and the incidence and severity of diseases and pests. The test was conducted in greenhouses and outdoor and weather conditions, production, fungi and insects associated with plants and soil mycobiota were monitored.
The weather conditions recorded were considered normal for the production and in the different modalities production ranged from about 22t/ha outdoor and 28t/ha in the greenhouse. Related to observation of disease symptoms and isolation from tissues were identified 33 taxa of fungi, of which 10 are associated with diseases of the crop, including Botrytis cinerea, Cylindrocarpon spp. Fusarium oxysporum, Macraphomina phaseolina and Rhizopus stolonifer. In the study of soil mycobiota 14 taxa of fungi were observed. Five thrips species belonging to the genera Aeolothrips, Frankliniella, Melanthrips and Thrips were found.
There were no significant differences between the types of cover for any of the parameters studied.
3
Cordeiro, Tiago Duarte. "Influência dos plásticos biodegradáveis na produtividade, precocidade e qualidade do melão "Lusitano" (Cucumis melo var. inodorus)." Master's thesis, ISA/UTL, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/4119.
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Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de Agronomia<br>The main goal of this study was comparing traditional low density black polyethylene plastic mulch (25μm) with three different starch based biodegradable mulch films (15μm), on a muskmelon “Lusitano” (Cucumis melo var. inodorus). The mulch film layout and crop plantation, soil temperature and humidity, weeds, canopy spread area, flowering and yield and crop quality were monitored. The field trial was conducted in Azeitada – Almeirim (from April to July 2011) with a completely randomized experimental design with three replications, 25 plants each. The mulch films modalities were: PE (control), BMF1 (black biodegradable plastic film Mater-Bi®-CF04P); BMF2 (black biodegradable plastic film Mater-Bi®-CF04P with recycled material) and BMFV (green biodegradable plastic film Mater-Bi®-CF04P). The results showed the adaptability of biodegradable mulch films to climatic conditions and traditional techniques applied, not observing significant differences in fruit quality and production. Regarding the soil water content the BMF1 showed higher values when compared with BMFV, as well as BMFV compared with PE. The soil temperatures were similar in all the modalities and PE and BMFV had precocious flowering and production. A positive correlation between initial growth (36DAT) and the soil growing degree-days (temperature 10ºC) accumulated was obtained, and also between initial growth and final yield.
4
Wei, Zongsu. "Trichloroethylene (TCE) Adsorption Using Sustainable Organic Mulch." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1279301053.
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Nicholson, Allison Frances. "The root environment as influenced by mulches, on two different soil types and the resulting effect on fruit yield and sunburn of 'Cripps' Pink' apples." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/71960.
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Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.<br>ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An investigation into the effects of different mulches on the root environment, encompassing
physical, chemical and biological factors of the soil, on two different soil types was done in
the form of a field trial on ‘Cripps’ Pink’ apples. Three organic mulches were tested:
compost, vermi-castings and woodchips, as well as an inorganic mulch, geotextile fabric, and
were compared against clean cultivation.
The organic treatments resulted in improved physical conditions (lower bulk densities) in the
heavier soil, as well as, a reduction in temperature fluctuations and a general increase in soil
temperatures during the seasons, in both sites. The geotextile fabric treatment resulted in
increased soil moisture levels in the top 40 cm, predominantly in the heavier soil. The
compost treatment resulted in high soil moisture levels in the top 40 cm only in the lighter
soil.
The vermi-castings treatment achieved superior results in terms of changing the nutrient
status of the heavier soil. It resulted in significantly higher pH, P (phosphorus), N (nitrogen),
K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Zn (zinc), Mn (Manganese), B (boron), as well as the
cation exchange capacity and some exchangeable cations, such as, Na+ (sodium ions), K+
(potassium ions) and Mg+ (magnesium ions). The compost treatment resulted in significantly
higher Ca (calcium) and Ca+ (calcium ions) in the heavier soil compared to the other
treatments. The organic mulches, including the woodchips treatment, consistently resulted in
higher mineral levels and therefore performed the best in this regard and did so in the heavier
soil. In contrast to the heavier soil, none of the treatments were successful in ameliorating the
nutrient status of the lighter soil, with the exception however of the increased percentage C as
a result of the compost and vermi-castings treatments. The compost treatment realised consistently higher mychorrizael colonization in both sites,
however, not always significantly higher than the other treatments. The vermi-castings
treatment realised consistently lower plant parasitic nematodes numbers. Higher free-living
nematodes were also frequently realised during both seasons and in both sites. The organic
mulches therefore proved promising with regard to soil biota.
The organic treatments, with the exception of the vermi-castings treatment, resulted in
improved root number and distribution in the heavier soil. The vermi-castings treatment resulted in a superior root environment and did not need to enhance its root system in order to
achieve good fruit yield and quality. In contrast, the geotextile fabric treatment performed
better in this regard in the lighter soil. The geotextile fabric treatment also achieved the
lowest weed counts, quantified as winter weeds, in both sites. Yield efficiency, in the heavier
soil, and the incidence of sunburn in both sites, were influenced by mulching. In the heavier
soil, the woodchips treatment resulted in the highest yield efficiency and the compost
treatment consistently resulted in the highest incidence of sunburn. In the lighter soil the
control treatment resulted in the highest incidence of sunburn. The vermi-castings treatment
consistently resulted in lower incidences of sunburn.
Due to the limited quantification of irrigation in this trial, the consequence of irrigation on
different mulches was not evaluated and should be considered for future research.<br>AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: ‘n Ondersoek na die effek van verskillende deklae op die wortelomgewing, insluitende
fisiese, chemiese en biologiese grond faktore, is uitgevoer as ‘n veldproef of twee
verskillende grondtipes, op ‘Cripps’ Pink’ appels. Drie organiese deklae is ge-evalueer
naamlik: kompos, ‘vermi-castings’ en houtspaanders, asook ‘n anorganiese geotekstiel
materiaal deklaag, en vergelyk met ‘n kontrole van skoon bewerking.
Die organiese behandelings het verbeterde fisiese kondisies (laer bulkdigtheid) in die
swaarder grond, asook ‘n verlaging in temperatuur fluktuasies en algemene verhoging in
grondtemperature gedurende die seisoene in beide persele tot gevolg gehad. Die geotekstiel
behandeling het verhoogde grondvog-vlakke in die boonste 40 cm in beide persele tot gevolg
gehad, alhoewel dit meer prominent in die swaarder grond was. In sanderige grondperseel,
het die kompos behandeling hoër grondvog-vlakke in die boonste 40 cm getoon as die ander
behandelings.
Die ‘vermi-castings’ behandeling het die beste resultate in terme van verbetering van
nutrient- vlakke in die swaarder grond behaal. Dit het ‘n betekenisvol hoër pH, P (fosfaat), N
(stikstof), K (kalium), Mg (magnesium), Zn (sink), Mn (mangaan), B (boron), katioon
uitruilings kapasiteit en sommige uitruilbare katione soos , Na+ (natrium ione), K+ (kalium
ione) en Mg+ (magnesium ione) as die ander behandelings in die swaarder gehad. Die kompos behandeling het betekenisvol hoër Ca (kalsium) en Ca+ (kalsium ione) in die swaarder grond
getoon. Die organiese behandelings, insluitend die houtspaander behandeling, het dus in die
geval, konstant die beste resultate te opsigte van hoër nutriënt vlakke in die swaarder grond
getoon. Inteenstelling met die swaarder grond, het geen behandling daarin geslaag om die
grondvoedingstatus van die sanderige grond te verbeter nie, met uitsondering die verhoogde
persentasie C as ‘n resultaat van die kompos en ‘vermi-castings’ behandelings.
Die kompos behandeling het konstant hoër mychorriza-kolonisasie teweeg gebring in beide
persele, alhoewel nie altyd betekenisvol hoër as die ander behandelings was nie. Die ‘vermicastings’
behandeling het konstant ‘n laer persentasie plant-parasitiese nematodes getoon.
Meer vry-lewende nematodes het ook gereeld oor die totale vier jaar wat die volledige proef
gestrek het, op beide persele, voorgekom. Die organiese deklae toon dus belowende resultate
in terme van biota.
Die organiese behandelings, met uitsondering van die ‘vermi-castings’ behandeling, het
verhoogte wortel ontwikkeling en -verspreiding in die swaarder grond tot gevolg gehad, Die
‘vermi-castings’ behandeling het ‘n besondere goeie wortelomgewing geskep en ‘n
verbetering in die wortelstelsel om ‘n goeie opbrengs en kwaliteit te behaal, was nie nodig
nie.
Daarinteen het die geotekstiel behandeling beter resultate in die meer sanderige grond behaal.
Die geotekstiel behandeling het ook die laagste onkruidstand in beide persele gehad.
Opbrengs, in die swaarder grond, en die voorkoms van sonbrand in beide persele, is
beïnvloed deur die dekgewasse. In die swaarder grondperseel het die houtspaanders
behandeling die hoogste opbrengs getoon en die kompos behandeling, konstant die hoogste
voorkoms van sonbrand. In die ligter, sanderige grondperseel, is die hoogste sonbrand
voorkoms gemeet in die kontrole behandeling. Die ‘vermi-castings’ behandeling het die
laagste sonbrand voorkoms getoon. Weens die beperkte kwantifisering van die besproeiing in die proef, is die gevolge van
besproeiing op verskillende deklae nie ondersoek nie en behoort dit oorweeg te word in
toekomstige navorsing.
6
Cowan, Jeremy Scott. "The use of biodegradable mulch for tomato and broccoli production| Crop yield and quality, mulch deterioration, and growers' perceptions." Thesis, Washington State University, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3587065.
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<p> Biodegradable mulch may offer the benefits of polyethylene mulch for crop production with the added benefit of biodegradability. Four studies were carried out in Mount Vernon, WA to evaluate biodegradable mulch for tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) and broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>) production. The first study compared four biodegradable mulch treatments: BioAgri, BioTelo, WeedGuardPlus (cellulose product), and SB-PLA-10/11/12 (experimental, non-woven fabric), to polyethylene mulch and bare ground in high tunnels and in the open field for tomato yield and fruit quality over three growing seasons. Biodegradable plastic films produced yields and fruit quality comparable to polyethylene. Moreover, high tunnels increased total and marketable fruit weight five and eight times, respectively, compared to the open field. </p><p> The second study quantified relationships among visual assessment parameters and mulch mechanical properties. Visual assessments and mechanical property tests of polyethylene, BioAgri, BioTelo, WeedGuardPlus, and SB-PLA-10/11/12, were made over three growing seasons. Regression analyses found the strongest relationship overall (<i>r</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.41) to be between the percent of initial breaking force in the machine direction and log<sub> 10</sub> of percent visual deterioration. However, evaluating mulch products individually and increasing sample frequency are recommended for future research. </p><p> The third study evaluated three biodegradable mulch products, BioAgri, Crown 1, and SB-PLA-11, after soil-incorporation. The average area of recovered mulch fragments decreased for all mulch products over time. The number of mulch fragments initially increased for all mulch products, with the greatest number of Crown 1 and BioAgri fragments recovered 132 and 299 days after incorporation, respectively. At 397 days after soil-incorporation, the total area of recovered fragments of Crown 1 and BioAgri was 0% and 34% of the theoretical maximum area, respectively. </p><p> The fourth study used the diffusion of innovations framework to study perceptions about biodegradable mulch and employed the concept of "tactile space" to create sensuously rich learning environments wherein participants could interact with each other and the environment to evaluate biodegradable plastic mulch. Participants' perceptions about biodegradable mulch and attitudes toward adoption improved. Employing tactile space as a diffusion strategy may encourage non-representational learning to supplement and reinforce the knowledge claims being made at outreach/education events.</p>
7
Dias, Mariana de Alvarenga Vieira. "Estudo do desempenho de filmes biodegradáveis numa cultura de ciclo curto - escarola (Cichorium endivia L.)." Master's thesis, ISA/UL, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/11168.
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Mestrado em Engenharia do Ambiente - Instituto Superior de Agronomia<br>In this dissertation, the aim was to evaluate and compare the performance of biodegradable mulch relatively to conventional polyethylene. For this purpose three different “mulches” were tested: polyethylene (PE) and two biodegradable "Short Cycle" (SC) and "Salads" (S) developed from the Mater-Bi™ matrix.
Escarole (Cichorium endivia L.) crop cycle was monitored along the experimental study implemented at real scale.
The monitoring plan was developed to evaluate the crop productivity and the impact of the different “mulches” in terms of moisture and soil temperature.
The results achieved during this study showed the adaptability of biodegradable plastics to the soil and weather conditions, checking a significant difference in productivity of plants covered with plastic S relative to the other two modes (PE and SC).
Given that to date there is no biodegradation studies in the Alentejo region of Portugal soils, it was also important to check the level of biodegradability of these new plastic films following the norm DIN EN ISO 17556.
The results obtained in this work can be concluded that biodegradable plastics seem like a good solution to replace the PE, yet research and development of these new plastics should continue to hold
8
Jiang, Linjian. "Simazine Treated Mulch an Integrated Management Tool for Vinifera Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Production." The Ohio State University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1268191248.
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Adamavičienė, Aida. "Living mulch and weed competitiveness in maize crop." Doctoral thesis, Lithuanian Academic Libraries Network (LABT), 2013. http://vddb.library.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:E.02~2013~D_20131204_094750-07798.
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Research objective. The study was aimed to establish the competitive peculiarities of the multi-component agrocenose (maize, living mulches, weeds) and its effects on soil properties under sustainable farming conditions. Research tasks. To accomplish the research objective the following tasks were set - to study: 1. The influence of living mulches, grown in a maize monocrop, on soil physical properties (soil moisture dynamics, shear resistance, penetration resistance, soil structure and its stability), chemical characteristics (total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium content, pH) and biological characteristics (urease and saccharase activity); 2. The dynamics of biomass accumulation of living mulches and weeds; 3. The impact of living mulches on weed infestation in a maize crop and on weed seed contamination in a ploughlayer; 4. Maize crop irradiance conditions and their influence on different components of the agrophytocenose; 5. Projection coverage of maize inter-rows; 6. Maize productivity and biometric indicators; 7. The relationships between the factors tested.<br>Tyrimų tikslas – įvertinti daugiakomponentės agrocenozės – kukurūzų, tarpinių augalų, piktžolių – konkurencinius ypatumus ir jos poveikį dirvos savybėms tvaraus ūkininkavimo sąlygomis. Tyrimų uždaviniai. Tyrimų tikslui pasiekti numatyta ištirti: 1. Įsėlinių tarpinių augalų, augusių kukurūzų monopasėlyje, poveikį dirvos fizikinėms (dirvos drėgnio dinamikai, šlyties pasipriešinimui, kietumui, dirvos struktūrai ir jos patvarumui), cheminėms (suminio azoto, judriojo fosforo ir kalio kiekiui, pH), biologinėms (ureazės ir sacharazės aktyvumui) savybėms; 2. Įsėlinių tarpinių augalų ir piktžolių biomasės kaupimosi dinamiką; 3. Įsėlinių tarpinių augalų poveikį kukurūzų pasėlio piktžolėtumui bei armens užterštumui piktžolių sėklomis; 4. Kukurūzų pasėlio apšvitos sąlygas ir jų poveikį skirtingiems agrofitocenozės komponentams; 5. Kukurūzų tarpueilių projekcinį padengimą; 6. Kukurūzų produktyvumo ir biometrinius rodiklius; 7. Tiriamųjų veiksnių sąsajas ir poveikio priežastingumą.
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Forward, Lindsey Ranee. "Hop Establishment Impacted by Mulch Type and Nitrogen Source." Thesis, North Dakota State University, 2017. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/28699.
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Agronomic research is lacking for hops (Humulus lupulus), especially in North Dakota (ND) and the northern Great Plains, where demand has risen. This research was done to evaluate factors influencing hops establishment in ND. Factors for this research were hop cultivar, mulch type, and nitrogen source. Variables measured included weed suppression, soil temperature, soil moisture, hop growth, and yield. Nitrogen source did not affect hop growth. ?Cascade? outperformed ?Mt. Hood? and ?Santiam?. Mulch type affected hop establishment, weed suppression, soil temperature, and soil moisture readings. Landscape fabric provided the greatest weed suppression and retained the most soil moisture, but also had the highest soil temperature and greatest soil temperature fluctuation throughout the day. Further research is needed to determine many other optimum growing practices for hops in the northern Great Plains. However, this research is the first field trial showing that hops can successfully be grown in ND.<br>North Dakota Department of Agriculture (Specialty Block Grant)<br>North Dakota State Board of Research and Extension (New and Emerging Crops Grant)
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Fenner, Stefan. "Wirkung und Nachhaltigkeit mechanischer Lockerung von Krumenbasisverdichtungen unter Wendepflug- und Mulchwirtschaft /." Göttingen : Cuvillier, 1995. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=007043921&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA.
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Halde, Caroline. "Organic rotational no-till system adapted for Manitoba, Canada." ACSESS-Alliance of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Science Societies, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1993/23848.
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In the northern Great Plains of Canada, there has been limited research conducted on reduced-tillage grain production systems managed organically. The objective was to adapt an organic rotational no-till system to the growing conditions of Manitoba, and to test its agronomic performance. A set of four experiments were conducted between 2010 and 2012, in Carman, MB, Canada. Mulches with hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) showed the most promising results, producing the highest mulch biomass and organic no-till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield. Organic flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) yield was significantly higher in no-till than in the two tillage treatments. Reduced content of soil nitrate-N and perennial weeds limited crop productivity after 4 yr under organic continuous no-till. In conclusion, the successful adaptation of the organic rotational no-till system to the growing conditions of Manitoba eliminated the need for tillage for a period of 1.5 to 2 yr.
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ATHY, ERIN R. "EFFECTS OF MULCH ON TREE SEEDLING SURVIVAL AND EDAPHIC CONDITIONS ON A CLOSED OHIO LANDFILL." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1070486322.
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Puka-Beals, Jesse Jor-El. "Combining Cover Crops, Strip Tillage, and Novel Mulches to Manage Weeds in Vegetable Cropping Systems." Thesis, North Dakota State University, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/10365/31806.
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Vegetable producers may benefit from integrating living mulches into their operations to manage weeds and improve soil quality. Living mulches, however, can reduce vegetable yield through competition. Here we investigate strip tilling into living mulches and then direct seeding a vegetable crop in the strip till zone as a production practice to limit competition. We further investigate the use of two surface-applied mulches, a newsprint hydromulch and a compost blanket, for weed control within the strip till zone. In field conditions, living mulches reduced vegetable yield by 49-84% and the use of the newsprint hydromulch and compost blanket reduced weed biomass by 84% and 85% respectively. In greenhouse conditions, a 50% reduction in the hydromulch application rate used in the field experiment achieved similar weed control, suggesting an application rate of 6.4 L m-2 or a mulch strength of 0.6 MPa may be sufficient for weed control with a hydromulch.
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HIGH, CRYSTAL MICHELLE SMITH. "ASSESSING THE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF CCA-CONTAMINATED MULCH." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1141359669.
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Bolsdorf, Marina, Gudrun Rösler, and Knut Strothmann. "Staudenpflanzungen mit Gehölzen : Staudenpflanzungen mit Gehölzanteilen - Pflanzkosten und Pflegeaufwand bei unterschiedlich gemulchten Pflanzungen." Saechsische Landesbibliothek- Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Dresden, 2009. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:14-ds-1245139077032-80062.
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Im Rahmen der Neugestaltung des Innenhofes an der Fachschule für Gartenbau in Dresden-Pillnitz wurde eine Freianlage mit unterschiedlichen Bepflanzungstypen hergestellt und drei Jahre gesichtet. Der Pflegeaufwand ging in diesen drei Jahren deutlich zurück. Ein Großteil der Bepflanzungen ist für anspruchsvollere, halböffentliche und öffentliche Außenanlagen attraktiv.
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Haddad, Assal Edwar. "Use of vegetative mulch as daily and intermediate landfill cover." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2011. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4911.
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Management of yard waste is a significant challenge in the US, where in 2008 13.2% of the 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) was reported to be yard waste. This study describes research conducted in the laboratory and field to examine the application of vegetative mulch as daily and intermediate landfill cover. Mulch was found to exhibit stronger physical properties than soil, leading to a more stable landfill slope. Compaction of mulch was found to be significantly greater than soil, potentially resulting in airspace recovery. Degradation of mulch produced a soil-like material; degradation resulted in lower physical strength and hydraulic conductivity and higher bulk density when compared with fresh mulch. Mulch covers in the field permitted higher infiltration rates at high rain intensities than soil covers, and also generated less runoff due to greater porosity and hydraulic conductivity as compared to soil. Mulch covers appear to promote methane oxidation more than soil covers, although it should be noted that methane input to mulch covers was more than an order of magnitude greater than to soil plots. Life cycle assessment (LCA) showed that, considering carbon sequestration, use of green waste as landfill cover saves GHG emissions and is a better environmental management option compared to composting and use of green waste as biofuel.<br>ID: 029809107; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2011.; Includes bibliographical references.<br>Ph.D.<br>Doctorate<br>Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering<br>Engineering and Computer Science<br>Environmental Engineering
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DeGomez, Tom, Alix Rogstad, Jeff Schalau, and Jack Kelly. "Comparing the Ignitability of Mulch Materials for a Firewise Landscape." College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/144798.
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5 pp.<br>Eight different landscape mulches were tested for their flammability using a propane torch, charcoal briquette, and a cigarette at two different times of the year. Three randomized compete blocks with eight one square meter plots were tested at three locations; Tucson, Prescott, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Each of the mulches was subjected to the heat of a handheld propane torch (15 seconds), a glowing charcoal briquette (five minutes), and a lit cigarette (until burned out). We found that the least dense mulches (pine needles and straw) burned rapidly when subjected to the torch and ignited after the briquette was removed. The medium density mulches (pine bark nuggets and wood chips) had low flame lengths and smoldered. Heavy density mulches (garden compost and shredded bark) only smoldered. The decomposed granite and sod did not ignite or smolder.
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Andrade, Maria Cláudia Pereira de Araújo Santos. "Avaliação do desempenho de diferentes plásticos biodegradáveis na cultura do morangueiro (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)." Master's thesis, ISA/UTL, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/4176.
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Mestrado em Engenharia do Ambiente - Instituto Superior de Agronomia<br>An enormous amount of plastic waste resulting from the agricultural activities is produced
every year. Part of this plastic remains in the fields, while the other part is sent to recycling or landfill.
The use of biodegradable mulch films can play an important role towards a sustainable
development in agricultural sector. These plastics can be plugged in the soil, after its use, among the
crop residues.
The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three different biodegradable mulch
films (P1, P2 and P3) against the conventional polyethylene mulch film (P4), in the production of
strawberries, during the autumn-winter cycle. The parameters followed during the crop cycle were
yield, plant growth, fruit quality and pests and diseases.
The biodegradable mulch films had different behaviors during the crop cycle, P3 showing the
best performance with 85% soil coverage at the end of the crop cycle, followed by P2 and P1 with
70% and 20%, respectively. The soil coverage of the conventional mulch film was 100%.
Compared to conventional mulch film, biodegradable mulches led to a decrease in the yield
and in the harvest index, while there was an increase in the total dry biomass of the plants. Results
obtained also showed that overall quality of fruits was not affected by the type of plastic.
As a conclusion, this innovative agricultural practice can be an interesting alternative and a
good opportunity for the farmers to try these promising alternatives to PE, without compromising the
economical viability of its use, if there isn´t any decrease in the total yield.
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Löffler, Niklas Maximilian [Verfasser], Andreas [Akademischer Betreuer] Mulch, Jens [Akademischer Betreuer] Fiebig, Andreas [Gutachter] Mulch, and Jens [Gutachter] Fiebig. "Clumped isotope thermometry techniques and their application to fossil teeth and pedogenic carbonates / Niklas Maximilian Löffler ; Gutachter: Andreas Mulch, Jens Fiebig ; Andreas Mulch, Jens Fiebig." Frankfurt am Main : Universitätsbibliothek Johann Christian Senckenberg, 2021. http://d-nb.info/1240442173/34.
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Das, Sanghamitra. "Soil solarization and soil additives as alternatives to preplant fumigation in annual plasticulture strawberry production." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/97504.
Full textAbstract:
Fumigation before strawberry (<i>Fragaria×ananassa</i> Duchesne) planting was a common practice as they are susceptible to numerous pests. Methyl bromide, the colorless, odorless gas, was the chosen fumigant for growers until it was classified as an ozone-depleting substance and its use was gradually restricted and legally phased in 2015. Fumigant use has constraints and thus research on other preplant alternatives for soil sterilization of strawberry annual plasticulture production is necessary. This research focused on soil solarization, products including paper pellets, mustard seed meal, and corn gluten meal. Two studies were conducted at the Virginia Tech Hampton Road AREC (Agricultural Research and Extension Center), and follow-up studies at the Flanagan Farm in Virginia Beach. The first study at the AREC evaluated three-week soil solarization with and without pelleted products. The second study evaluated different rates of paper pellets, paper pellets plus mustard seed meal, mustard seed meal alone and fumigated plots. The purpose of each study was to evaluate the sterilization-mulching effects on weeds, plant health and stand count, yield and fruit parameters (as size and sweetness). A container-grown plant study determined if there was any phytotoxic effect of paper pellets and mustard seed meal on pansies (Viola tricolor). Another study evaluated the effect of paper pellets and mustard seed meal on germination of different weed species. The paper pellet and soil solarization treatments showed decreased early season weeds but season-long weed control was not provided by the same treatment. In the study one, paper pellet improved yield in the first season but not the second season. Paper pellet and mustard seed meal increased yield compared to the black plastic control in the second study. No phytotoxicity was observed on pansies in response to paper pellet and mustard seed meal rates. In the grower farm study, weed biomass was higher under the clear tarp than the black tarp perhaps due to more light transmission under the clear tarp. A new locally available paper pellet product was used at the grower farm and the plants in plots treated with this product, had lower health rating and yield compared to other treatments.<br>PHD
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Leal, G. R. "Influence of reflective mulch on Pinot noir grape and wine quality." Diss., Lincoln University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/1034.
Full textAbstract:
A trial established in 2003 at Upper Moutere in Nelson, New Zealand, was used to evaluate the effect of mussel shells as reflective mulch on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir vine performance and fruit and wine quality. Shell mulch had several effects on the environment and vine growth as well as grape and wine composition in the 2006/2007 season. Soil under mulch was cooler compared to un-mulched control, but buffered the extremes in temperatures. Fruiting zone temperature over shells was slightly higher during the day and cooler at night, showing no effect on mean hourly temperature. Shell mulch reflected greater amounts of UV-A, UV-B and PAR radiation into the fruiting zone. Shell reduced weed growth compared to control. Leaf petiole and blade samples showed higher amounts of calcium compared to control. Leaf SPAD values were higher in the shell treatment during veraison, previous and postharvest, but lower post budburst. While date of budburst was not affected by treatments, dates of flowering and veraison appeared to be slightly advanced over shells. Fruit set was similar between treatments and was considered poorer in shell bunches due to a larger population of seedless berries. Vine growth was not affected in terms of the number of nodes laid at pruning, flower cluster and shoot number pre shoot thinning, early shoot growth and lateral shoots development. Vigour was not increased by shells as demonstrated by pruning weights, canopy density and trunk circumferences being similar, though internode lengths in shell shoots were greater in 2007 and lower in 2006. Berry weights, bunch weights and vine yields were lower in shell than control, though greater berry numbers were recorded. There were slight differences between treatments in fruit and wine composition. Grape pH only varied in the middle of the sampling time, being higher the 2nd week and lower the 3rd week in shell grapes and TA was greater at harvest time. However, °Brix was only higher in shell grapes in the middle of the sampling period, being similar to control at veraison and harvest. Peduncle lignification was delayed at veraison as well as at harvest time. Shell must after crushing was greater in Brix but similar to control in pH and TA. Similarly, shell wines pre bottling showed higher alcohol and no differences for pH and TA. HPLC-DAD analyses of commercial-scale and microvin wines showed consistent differences of the individual flavonoid composition. Shell microvin wines were greater than control in quercetin and resveratrol. However, commercial shell wines were lower in epicatechin, gallic acid, resveratrol, and catechin than control. Leaf phenolic composition was also different between treatments. However, further analyses by HPLC-MS in wines as well as in leaves are necessary to identify individual compounds. Total anthocyanins and total phenolics were no different between treatments. Sensory analyses of microvin and commercial shell wines exhibited consistently lower levels of green and unripe tannins, and greater smoothness and complexity as well. Further analysis by GC-MS and HPLC-MS is warranted. Shell mulch improved sensory characteristics of the resulting wines.
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Jordan, Kyle K. "The effects of landscaping mulch on invertebrate populations and soil characteristics." The Ohio State University, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1092784271.
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Jordan, Kyle Kenton. "The effects of landscaping mulch on invertebrate populations and soil characteristics." Connect to this title online, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1092784271.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004.<br>Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 83 p.; also includes graphics (some col.). Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-83). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center
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Becker, Konstantin. "Weitreihenanbau von Winterweizen im Ökologischen Landbau Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung von Backqualität und Vorfruchtwert /." Berlin : Logos Verl, 2007. http://geb.uni-giessen.de/geb/volltexte/2007/4705/index.html.
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Becker, Konstantin. "Weitreihenanbau von Winterweizen im ökologischen Landbau Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung von Backqualität und Vorfruchtwert." Berlin Logos, 2006. http://d-nb.info/988700794/34.
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Greyson, Philip R. "Corn (Zea mays L.) production in a grass/clover living mulch system." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1998. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ36453.pdf.
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Bryant, Heather D. "Hybrid Mulch System: Effects on Crop Production, Economics, Weeds and Soil Quality." Fogler Library, University of Maine, 2008. http://www.library.umaine.edu/theses/pdf/BryantHD2008.pdf.
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Smith, Adam Nelson. "Utilizing Rolled Rye Mulch for Weed Suppression in Organic No-Tillage Soybeans." NCSU, 2010. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-01072010-150228/.
Full textAbstract:
Rising demand for organic soybeans (Glycine max L.), coupled with high price premiums for organic products, has producers interested in making the transition to organic soybean production. However, organic soybean producers and those making the transition cite weed management as their biggest limitation. Current organic weed management relies heavily on cultivation. Cultivation has negative consequences on soil health and producers are interested in organic reduced and no-till production. Rye (Secale cereal L. cv. Rymin) cover crop was evaluated for weed suppression abilities and effects on soybean yield. Experiments were planted in 2008 and 2009 at three site locations. Rye was planted in the fall of each year and killed at soybean planting with a roller-crimper or flail-mower, creating thick weed-suppressing mulch with potential allelopathic properties. The mulch was augmented with one of three additional weed control tactics: pre-emergence corn gluten meal (CGM), post-emergence clove oil, or post-emergence high-residue cultivation. Rolled-crimped and flail-mowed treatments had similar weed suppression abilities. There were no differences between CGM, clove oil, or cultivation at most sites. Rye biomass level was the only independent variable that affected weed control. Rye biomass levels higher than 9,000 kg ha-1 were sufficient in controlling weeds. Organic soybean yields were similar to weed-free soybean yields at rye biomass levels higher than 9,000 kg ha-1. Goldsboro 2008, where rye biomass was 10,854 kg ha-1, the organic rye-only treatment yielded at 2,190 kg ha-1 and the weed-free treatment yielded at 2,143 kg ha-1. Plymouth 2008, where rye biomass was 9,526 kg ha-1, the organic rye-only treatment yielded 2,694 kg ha-1 and the weed-free treatment yielded at 2,809 kg ha-1. On the contrary, at low rye biomass levels (4,450- 6,606 kg ha-1), the organic rye-only treatment yielded 628- 822 kg ha-1 less than the weed-free treatment. High rye biomass levels are critical to the success of this production system. However, at rye biomass levels greater than 10,000 kg ha-1, severe soybean lodging was induced and potentially limited yield potential.
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Monette, Stephen. "Effect of a windbreak and plastic mulch on the growth of pepper." Thesis, McGill University, 1986. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=65972.
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Majeedano, Haji Islamuddin. "Effect of temperature and plastic mulch on forage maize in North Wales." Thesis, Bangor University, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.264275.
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Aguiar, Ana Raquel Lopes. "Degradação de um mulch biodegradável (Agrobiofilm) in situ, após incorporação no solo." Master's thesis, ISA, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/15880.
Full textAbstract:
Mestrado em Engenharia Agronómica - Instituto Superior de Agronomia - UL<br>Os filmes de cobertura do solo (FCS) à base de polietileno são muito usados na agricultura devido a vantagens amplamente reconhecidas a eles associados. Porém, impactos ambientais adversos consequentes motivaram a produção de alternativas naturais e amigas do ambiente, mantendo as mesmas funções dos filmes convencionais. Com este fim, os FCS biodegradáveis, em particular os produzidos à base de amido de milho, Mater-Bi ® (MB), estão a ser utilizados mundialmente. Contudo, ainda há aspetos relativos à sua degradação que precisam de ser estudados.
Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a perda de área de um FCS biodegradável à base de MB anteriormente usado num ciclo cultural de pimento picante (Capsicum annuum L.), in situ num vertissolo do Instituto Superior de Agronomia. O filme, de cor preta e 12 μm de espessura, tinha uma área inicial de 17,50 m2, tendo sido incorporado no solo juntamente com os resíduos da cultura após a última colheita. Ao fim de 240 dias no solo, procedeu-se à recolha de todos os fragmentos de FCS visíveis a olho nu, limpeza cuidadosa com água destilada, captação de imagem e medição da área respetiva recorrendo a um software de processamento de imagem, ImageJ.
Foram recolhidos 405 fragmentos do solo, com uma área média de 28,07 cm2, medindo o menor fragmento 0,44 cm2 e o maior 388,10 cm2. 83,5% dos fragmentos apresentavam uma área inferior a 50 cm2. A área remanescente do FCS era de 1,14 m2, correspondendo a uma redução de 93,5% da área inicial.
O facto de ter sido recolhida a totalidade dos fragmentos visíveis do solo permite inferir de uma forma mais próxima da realidade que ao fim de 240 dias incorporado no solo, o FCS é quase totalmente biodegradável<br>N/A
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Read, Nicholas A. "Plant Residues and Newspaper Mulch Effects on Weed Emergence And Collard Performance." The Ohio State University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1357076611.
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Somireddy, Upender Reddy. "Effect of Herbicide-Organic Mulch Combinations on Weed Control and Herbicide Persistence." The Ohio State University, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1325255792.
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Huang, Zhiqun. "Soil and Tree Physiological Responses to Mulch and Weed Control in Hardwood Plantations." Thesis, Griffith University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/367446.
Full textAbstract:
The land available for new hardwood plantations in southeast Queensland,
Australia characteristically has low soil moisture availability and fertility.
Establishment silviculture, such as mulch and weed control, is being used to
overcome soil nutrient and water limitations during the establishment phase of
hardwood plantations. However, the soil and tree physiological responses to mulch
and weed control can vary widely since specific responses to such treatments in any
particular stand will be the result of complex interactions of site condition, tree
species, and climate. Spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora subsp. Variegata (F. Muell.))
and blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis Smith) are currently recommended for plantation
development because they have good wood quality, good market potential and are
expected to grow well on a range of sites in south-east Queensland. In this study, a
series of closely related field experiments have been conducted to evaluate the effects
of mulch and weed control on soil and tree physiological properties in the two
establishing hardwood plantations.<br>Thesis (PhD Doctorate)<br>Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)<br>Griffith School of Environment<br>Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology<br>Full Text
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Bruelle, Guillaume. "Pertinence de l’agriculture de conservation pour tamponner les aléas climatiques : cas des systèmes de culture en riz pluvial au lac Alaotra, Madagascar." Thesis, Montpellier, SupAgro, 2014. http://www.theses.fr/2014NSAM0060/document.
Full textAbstract:
En Afrique sub-saharienne (ASS), l'agriculture de conservation (AC) est diffusée afin de d'améliorer durablement la productivité de l'agriculture familiale. Cette AC est basée sur les principes de travail réduit du sol, d'une couverture permanente et de rotations introduisant des légumineuse. Parmi tous les bénéfices potentiels de l'AC, le mulch peut améliorer le bilan hydrique et tamponner le stress hydrique, et donc sécuriser les rendements, lorsque les pluies sont limitées et/ou aléatoirement distribuées. A Madagascar, la région du lac Alaotra connaît une forte expansion de la riziculture pluviale. Etant caractérisée par une distribution des pluies très erratique, la pratique de l'AC semble pertinente pour sécuriser la production pluviale. L'objectif de cette étude est donc d'évaluer dans quelle mesure cet aléa climatique est tamponné par l'AC. Tout d'abord, à travers revue de la littérature scientifique, nous avons ouvert à une problématique plus large. En effet, au regard des projections de croissance démographique et de changement climatique (CC) en ASS, l'AC est proposée comme solution ‘climate-smart' ; i.e. une agriculture capable d'augmenter la productivité et de s'adapter au CC tout en l'atténuant. Les études identifiées en ASS montrent une capacité de l'AC à augmenter les rendements sur le long-terme, et à plus court-terme dans les contextes climatiques où les pluies sont faibles et/ou mal distribuées. Cela suggère donc une capacité de l'AC à s'adapter au CC qui prévoit une augmentation de la variabilité de la distribution des pluies en ASS. La capacité de l'AC à atténuer le CC en séquestrant du carbone (C) dans les sols reste en suspens car le stockage du C se fait principalement en surface et la stabilité de ce C est questionnée. Nous nous sommes ensuite recentrés sur le sujet et la zone de cette étude afin d'évaluer le potentiel de l'AC à tamponner l'aléa pluviométrique. En se basant sur les données de suivi de parcelles en transition vers l'AC sur quatre saisons contrastées, nous avons constaté une augmentation des rendements moyens en riz pluvial dès la première année de pratique, avec une augmentation progressive des rendements et une diminution de la variabilité. Les données ont également suggéré une sécurisation des semis précoces et tardifs en AC. Nous avons constaté un poids important du climat sur la variabilité des rendements dans la zone d'étude. Cette analyse exploratoire nous a donc permis d'observer des effets positifs de l'AC dans le contexte climatique du lac Alaotra, suggérant notamment un effet potentiel sur la ressource hydrique. Mais les informations à notre disposition ne nous ont pas permis de vérifier cette hypothèse. Nous nous sommes donc intéressés à l'impact du mulch sur le bilan hydrique et les rendements en riz pluvial dans les conditions agro-climatiques de la zone d'étude. Nous avons effectué une expérimentation virtuelle, en utilisant le modèle PYE-CA. Nous avons confirmé la capacité du mulch à réduire le ruissellement. Nous avons identifié les dates de semis pour lesquelles le riz pluvial est le moins impacté par le stress hydrique dans la région. Les résultats nous ont indiqué que pour les dates de semis majoritairement pratiquées par les agriculteurs, et dans un éventail de conditions de sol, la disponibilité en eau est très peu affectée par une modification du ruissellement. Les bénéfices d'une réduction du ruissellement apparaissent dans des conditions hydriques plus stressantes telles que des dates de semis précoce ou une intensification, en diminuant la variabilité des rendements. Cette étude nous a permis de mieux appréhender les impacts de l'AC sur le bilan hydrique dans le contexte climatique de notre zone d'étude. Pour faire sens, ces résultats sont à intégrer à l'échelle exploitation, voire plus large, pour identifier les contraintes et avantages induits par les systèmes en AC dans le contexte socio-économique du lac Alaotra<br>Conservation agriculture (CA) is widely disseminated at large scale in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in order to restore soil fertility and sustainably increase crop production of family farming. As defined by the FAO, CA is based on the three principles of minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and complex crop rotation. Among all the beneficial functions of CA, its ability to improve water balance through mulching can buffer water stress during crop cycle, and hence secure yields when rainfall are limited or poorly distributed. In the Lake Alaotra region of Madagascar, the area under rainfed upland rice has expanded lately. The region being characterized by an erratic rainfall distribution, intra- and inter-annually, CA practice seems appropriate to secure rainfed production. The main objective of this study is to evaluate to which extent this climate hazard can be buffered through the practice of CA. Firstly, we ran a review of the scientific literature to better understand the impact of CA in a wider context. Regarding the projections of population growth and climate change for SSA, CA is considered as a climate-smart option, i.e. an agriculture able to simultaneously mitigate climate change, adapt to this change, and sustainably increase productivity. The different studies illustrated the capacity of CA to maintain, or even increase production in the long-term, and in the shorter-term under limited or poorly distributed rainfall African contexts. These results suggested an ability of CA to adapt to climate change, predicting an increase in rainfall variability in SSA. However, the climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration under CA remained unclear because of a superficial storage which may be unsteady. Then, we focused on the study area to evaluate the potential of CA to buffer rainfall hazard. Using a 4-year dataset monitoring farmers' fields transitioning to CA, we observed a gradual increase in upland rice average yield with a decrease in variability over the consecutive years of CA practice. The data also suggested a capacity of CA to secure early or late sowing. But agro-environmental factors were mainly impacting yields in the region. This exploratory analysis allowed us to observe positive impacts of CA under the climate conditions of the Lake Alaotra region, suggesting an impact on water balance but no information was available to validate this hypothesis. Finally, we focused more precisely on the impact of mulch on water balance and upland rice yields under the climate conditions of the region, using a modeling approach. We ran an virtual experiment with the model PYE-CA to simulate a range of soil and climate conditions met in the region. We confirmed the ability of mulch to reduce, or even suppress, efficiently surface water runoff. We identified the sowing period within which rice growing would be the least impacted by water stress in the region. The results indicated that water availability for rice cropping was slightly impacted by a decrease in runoff for the majority of soil conditions and farmers' usual sowing dates. Beneficial effects of runoff reduction appeared under higher water stress conditions such as early sowing date or crop intensification and yield variability was decreased. This study allowed us to better apprehend the impacts of CA on water balance in the specific climate context of the study area. It would be interesting to integrate these results at the farm-level to identify the pros and cons of adopting CA under the socio-economic context of the Lake Alaotra region of Madagascar
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Mütze, Gudrun. "Untersuchungen zur Landschaftspflege mit Schafweide und mechanischen Pflegemassnahmen in der Gemeinde Dietzhölztal, Lahn-Dillkreis /." Giessen : Wiss. Fachverl, 1989. http://bvbr.bib-bvb.de:8991/F?func=service&doc_library=BVB01&doc_number=002627011&line_number=0001&func_code=DB_RECORDS&service_type=MEDIA.
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Sexton, Pauline Lethea. "Acute Pulmonary Response in Landscape Workers: Job Redesign." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/10161.
Full textAbstract:
Substantial efforts have been made in the study of occupational induced airway diseases. A strong link has been found between worker exposure to organic dust and resulting acute pulmonary spasms. The supporting studies behind this link are primarily in the industries of cotton, animal and swine farming; however, some studies have been related to landscaping type tasks (i.e. mowing, leaf blowing). The relationship between organic dust and pulmonary response is associated with respiratory irritants that are found in materials such as soil, grain, and compost, especially when these materials have become moist. Some of the culprits that have been identified as causative agents of respiratory spasms are endotoxin, fungal spores, and fungal mycotoxin.
This study focused on the respiratory hazards in the landscaping industry. During the month of March, landscapers worked heavily with wood mulch, which contains many organic materials that potentially harbor the aforementioned irritants. This study measured the exposure levels of endotoxin and fungal spores in the landscaper workers' breathable space. While also measuring the pulmonary function of participants and evaluating disposable respirators as an intervention. Low levels of endotoxin and fungal spores were found in the breathable space of the participants during the two days of data collection. The users were not completely satisfied with the half face disposable respirator provided, and offered detailed feedback concerning the design and use of the respirator intervention.<br>Master of Science
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Fehmi, Jeffrey S. "Research note: A rock mulch layer supported little vegetation in an arid reclamation setting." TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/627088.
Full textAbstract:
Adding a surface rock layer (also called rock armor or rock mulch) to constructed slopes improves erosion resistance but has had mixed effects on revegetation. This study investigated the effects of rock layer depth (no rocks, 10-, 15-, and 20-cm rock layers) and rock size (5-20cm diameter rocks) on vegetation cover. Seeding was applied four times in the first 2 years. After 3 years, plots with a rock layer averaged 7% vegetative cover compared to 85% on plots without a rock layer. There was a nonsignificant trend toward less vegetation with a deeper rock layer.
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Jenni, Sylvie. "Predicting yield and development of muskmelon, Cucumis melo L., under mulch and rowcover management." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/tape16/PQDD_0011/NQ30303.pdf.
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Jenni, Sylvie. "Predicting yield and development of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) under mulch and rowcover management." Thesis, McGill University, 1996. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=42061.
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Field experiments were undertaken to predict the yield of 'Earligold' muskmelon grown with plastic mulches, rowcovers and thermal water tubes. Mulches were either black, photoselective or clear. Rowcover systems included a clear perforated polyethylene, a polypropylene agrotextile, or unperforated polyethylenes (standard or infra-red treated) with a water-filled tube. In all tunnel types, the photoselective mulch had an intermediate effect between clear and black mulch on air and soil temperatures, chilling injury and days to flowering. Plants with a clear mulch and an infrared or standard unperforated tunnel with a thermal tube survived chilling temperatures between 1.6-5.8C for seven days, flowered first, had the heaviest biomass at anthesis and had the highest early yields. Plant dry weight from transplanting to anthesis was predicted from a multiple linear regression based on heat unit formulas using air (base temperature of 14C, maximum threshold of 40C) and soil temperatures (base temperature of 12C). The base temperature for predicting developmental time to anthesis of perfect flowers was 6.8C. In order to study fruit growth, a rapid and non-destructive method for estimating volume of ovaries was established. Fruit phenology was described as six classes for flower development and seven for fruit development. Flower abortion was studied in relation to each class. Plants displayed either one or two fruit growth cycles. The second cycle was triggered as the absolute growth rate of the first cycle fruits decreased. Developmental time of individual fruits was predicted from a heat unit formula with a base temperature of 15C when temperatures were recorded from a meteorological station. Another heat unit formula was proposed for air temperature at 7.5 cm. Fruit growth from the second cycle had a 60-degree day lag. Fruit volume proportion from blooming to maturity of first cycle fruits was described by a common Richards function. Although 65% of the plants produc
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Niziolomski, Joanna. "Optimising soil disturbance and mulch attenuation for erosion and runoff control in asparagus crops." Thesis, Cranfield University, 2014. http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/9209.
Full textAbstract:
Exposure of bare soil for long periods and onsite compaction create soil and water problems in asparagus production. This project aims to develop a cost effective and practical runoff and soil erosion management system. Two field trials (Phase 1 running from April - July 2012 and Phase 2 running from May - November 2013) tested different combinations of shallow soil disturbance (SSD) and mulch (straw and compost) application for soil erosion control. Cranfield University’s soil bin was used to test the effect of different tine configurations on soil disturbance. The results of this research corroborated observations that asparagus production can result in levels of unsustainable soil loss that will contribute to the degradation of the existing soil resource. The field trials demonstrated that a straw mulch applied at 6 t ha- 1 significantly improved key performance indicators (KPIs, i.e. runoff initiation, volume and rate; total soil loss; sediment concentration; total oxides of nitrogen; orthophosphate-P; and sediment-bound P) as compared with the Non-SSD Control. In general, SSD (irrespective of tine configuration) was ineffective at improving key performance indicators as compared with the Non-SSD Control. In the soil bin work, different tine configurations generated varying degrees and extent of SSD, with the modified para-plough giving the greatest soil disturbance for the least draught force. However, the differences in SSD observed in the soil bin had no effect on the KPI’s tested in the Phase 2 field trial. The effective treatments observed in the field trials only yielded cost savings to the farmer/grower when a high level of soil loss occurred. This research highlights the need to develop erosion control measures in asparagus fields, with wider implications to other row crops. However caution is needed, given the observed variation in effectiveness and reliability of in-field mitigation measures, especially during ‘extreme’ rainfall events.
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Lang, Michele Cristina. "Período anterior a interferência das plantas daninhas na cultura da cenoura com e sem mulch de palha de aveia preta." Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, 2018. http://tede2.uepg.br/jspui/handle/prefix/2609.
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Previous issue date: 2018-02-23<br>Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior<br>A cenoura (Daucus carota L), destaca-se entre as hortaliças produzidas na região centro-oriental do Paraná, no entanto, a interferência de plantas daninhas representa um dos fatores de maior impacto na redução da produtividade da cultura. Por tanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o período anterior a interferência (PAI) para cenoura Alvorada cultivada com e sem mulch de aveia preta sob o solo. O experimento foi instalado na Fazenda Escola Capão da Onça, na primavera de 2016, com delineamento de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2X5 com 5 repetições. O primeiro fator consistiu de cobertura de solo com mulch (10 t ha-1 de palha de aveia preta) e sem mulch, já o segundo fator correspondeu a cinco períodos de convivência das plantas daninhas com a cultura (0, 15, 30, 60 e 110 dias após a emergência). No experimento foram identificadas 10 espécies de plantas daninhas pertencentes à 7 famílias botânicas em que as principais foram a Euphorbia heterophylla, Galinsoga ciliata, Eragrotis pilosa, Rhaphanus raphanistrum e Braquiaria plantaginea. O diâmetro das raízes de cenoura tanto nas parcelas com mulch quanto sem mulch reduziu exponencialmente ao longo dos períodos com convivência com o mato, observando-se perdas de até 68,51% e 74,57% em relação ás testemunhas nos canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente. O comprimento das raízes de cenoura tanto nas parcelas com mulch quanto sem mulch reduziu linearmente ao longo dos períodos com convivência com o mato, observando-se perdas de até 65,91% e 81,5% em relação ás testemunhas nos canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente. A extração de todos os macronutrientes avaliados (N, P, K e S) foram influenciados negativamente pela convivência com as plantas daninhas. Os maiores níveis de convivência com as plantas daninhas proporciou menor acúmulo de nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio e enxofre na parte aérea e raízes das plantas de cenoura. O teor de nutriente mais afetado pela interferência da matocompetição foi do K, na parte aérea observou-se perdas de até 64,69% e 68,11% em relação ás testemunhas capinadas nos canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente e perdas na raiz de até 68,68% e 61,52% em relação a testemunhas capinadas nos canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente. A utilização do mulch foi eficiente para elevar os teores de K na parte aérea em 13,02% nas testemunhas capinadas em relação as testemunhas capinadas em canteiros sem mulch, assim como, durante todos os períodos de convivência. Essa tendência segue para os demais nutrientes e observou-se que pequenas reduções nos teores dos nutrientes na planta afetam muito a produtividade já nos primeiros 15 (DAE). O crescimento das plantas de cenoura foi influenciado negativamente com a interferência de plantas daninhas, principalmente no início de desenvolvimento após os 15 (DAE), período em que se inicia a maior diferença na velocidade de crescimento (TCA) entre as testemunhas capinadas e em convivência com as plantas daninhas. A maior TCA foi observada nas testemunhas capinadas nos canteiros com mulch e redução de 19,80% nas testemunhas capinadas sem mulch em relação a testemunha capinada com mulch, no entanto, nas plantas em convivência com as plantas daninhas a TCA não evoluiu ao longo dos períodos de convivência com o mato. A taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR) reduziu exponencialmente após os 30 (DAE) para todos os tratamentos. Os maiores valores observados foram nas testemunhas nos canteiros com mulch e redução de 8% nas testemunhas capinadas sem mulch e nas plantas em convivência 12%, 20% em canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente em relação a testemunha capinada com mulch. A taxa de assimilação líquida (TAL) foi maior nas testemunhas capinadas com mulch com redução de 30,23% nas testemunhas capinadas sem mulch e nas plantas em convivência 34,11%, 53,49% em canteiros com mulch e sem mulch respectivamente. Na razão massa de
raiz (RPR) as testemunhas capinadas em canteiros com mulch obtiveram maior razão com 0,6 (g -1) ou 60 % da massa seca em raiz, com redução de 3,3% nas testemunhas capinadas em canteiros sem mulch; 10% nas plantas em convivência com as plantas daninhas em canteiros com mulch e 15% nas plantas em convivência em canteiros sem mulch em relação as testemunhas capinadas com mulch. A perda na produtividade de raízes totais foi de 97,67% no cultivo sem mulch e 94,51% no cultivo com mulch. O período anterior a interferência foi de 3 e 4 (DAE) considerando a produtividade total para as cultivos com e sem mulch respectivamente, e 3 e 3 (DAE) considerando a produtividade comercial para as cultivos com e sem mulch respectivamente.<br>The carrot (Daucus carota L.) stands out among the vegetables produced in the central-eastern region of Paraná, however, weed interference represents one of the factors that have the greatest impact on the reduction of crop productivity. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine the period prior to interference (PAI) for Alvorada carrot grown with and without black oat mulch under the soil. The experiment was installed at Fazenda Escola Capão da Onça, in the spring of 2016, with a randomized block design in a 2X5 factorial scheme with 5 replications. The first factor consisted of soil cover with mulch (10 t ha-1 of black oat straw) and no mulch, while the second factor corresponded to five periods of weed cohabitation with the crop (0, 15, 30, 60 and 110 days after the emergency). In the experiment, 10 weed species belonging to 7 botanical families were identified, in which the main ones were Euphorbia heterophylla, Galinsoga ciliata, Eragrotis pilosa, Rhaphanus raphanistrum and Braquiaria plantaginea. The diameter of the carrot roots in both the mulch and mulch plots decreased exponentially over the periods with coexistence with the weeds, with losses of up to 68.51% and 74.57% in relation to the weed beds with mulch. without mulch respectively. The length of the carrot roots in both the mulch and mulch plots reduced linearly over the periods with coexistence with the weeds, with losses of up to 65.91% and 81.5% in relation to the controls in mulch beds. without mulch respectively. The extraction of all evaluated macronutrients (N, P, K and S) were negatively influenced by the coexistence with weeds. The higher levels of coexistence with weeds provided less accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur in the shoots and roots of carrot plants. The nutrient content most affected by the matocompetition interference was K; in the aerial part losses were observed up to 64.69% and 68.11% in relation to the weed witnesses in the beds with mulch and without mulch respectively and losses in the root of up to 68.68% and 61.52% in relation to weeding witnesses in the beds with mulch and without mulch respectively. The use of the mulch was efficient to increase K content in the aerial part in 13.02% in the weeded witnesses in relation to the weed witnesses in beds without mulch, as well as, during all periods of coexistence. This trend continues for the other nutrients and it has been observed that small reductions in nutrient content in the plant greatly affect productivity in the first 15 (AED). The growth of carrot plants was negatively influenced by weed interference, especially at the beginning of development after 15 (DAE), when the greatest difference in growth speed (TCA) between weed and cohabitation with weeds. The highest TCA was observed in the weed control in the mulch beds and a reduction of 19.80% in the mulch weed control in relation to the mulch weed control, however, in the plants living with weeds the TCA did not evolve over the years. periods of coexistence with the bush. The relative growth rate (TCR) decreased exponentially after 30 (DAE) for all treatments. The highest values were observed in mulch and mulch seedlings and 8% reduction in mulch weed control and 12%, 20% in mulch and mulch seedlings respectively. The net assimilation rate (TAL) was higher in the mulch weed control with a reduction of 30.23% in the weed control without mulch and in the coexisting plants 34.11%, 53.49% in mulch and mulch, respectively. In the root mass ratio (RPR), the weeds in mulch beds obtained a higher ratio with 0.6 (g -1) or 60% of the dry mass at the root, with a 3.3% reduction in weed control in mulch ; 10% in plants living with weeds in beds with mulch and 15% in plants living in beds without mulch in relation to mulch weeded controls. The loss of total root yield was 97.67% in mulch and 94.51% in mulch. The period prior to the interference was 3 and 4 (DAE), considering the total productivity for the crops with and without mulch respectively, and 3 and 3 (DAE) considering the commercial productivity for the crops with and without mulch respectively.
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Ranaivoson, Lalaina. "Etude des fonctions agro-écologiques des principes de l'agriculture de conservation dans l'amélioration de la production du riz pluviale dans la région du lac Alaotra (Madagascar)." Thesis, Montpellier, SupAgro, 2017. http://www.theses.fr/2017NSAM0043/document.
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L’Agriculture de conservation (AC) repose sur trois principes: le minimum de travail du sol, la couverture permanente du sol et la diversification des espèces cultivées. Elle a été introduite vers la fin des années 90 dans la région du lac Alaotra, Madagascar, dans l’objectif d’augmenter la productivisté de l’agriculture pluviale qui, généralement, pâtit des problèmes liés à la faible fertilité des sols, aux contraintes hydriques et à l’enherbement. L’objectif principal de la thèse consiste à quantifier et caractériser les impacts des fonctions agro-écologiques de l’AC dans l’amélioration du rendement en riz pluvial par rapport aux pratiques conventionnelles (CT). Une revue de la littérature sur les fonctions agro-écologiques du mulch en fonction de leur quantité retenue sur la parcelle a tout d’abord montré que la quantité de couverture nécessaire va dépendre essentiellement des fonctions agro-écologiques attendues. Une quantité de couverture de 2 à 3 t ha-1 permet d’obtenir des effets très nets en ce qui concerne l’amélioration de l’infiltration de l’eau, la limitation du ruissellement et de l’érosion du sol. En revanche, les données sur le contrôle de l’enherbement, la disponibilité des nutriments ainsi que la faune du sol en fonction de la quantité de mulch étaient très variables, suggérant l’interaction de ses fonctions agro-écologiques avec d’autres facteurs, notamment le type de résidus et les conditions pédoclimatiques. Une première expérimentation dont l’objectif était la quantification des effets physiques du mulch sur l’enherbement, avec différentes quantités de résidus de 0 à 45 t ha-1 a montré que l’émergence et la biomasse des adventices sur les parcelles couvertes dépend essentiellement de la quantité et de la distribution de la pluviométrie durant la saison culturale. L’émergence ainsi que la biomasse des mauvaises herbes diminuent en général avec l’augmentation de la quantité de mulch maintenue sur les parcelles. Toutefois, une quantité de résidus de l’ordre de 10 t ha-1 est nécessaire pour réduire significativement la pression des adventices sur le riz par rapport à un sol nu dans les conditions de notre dispositif expérimental. Un deuxième dispositif maintenu durant 6 ans (2009/10 à 2014/15), combinait une rotation biennale de maïs + dolique // riz et une rotation triennale de maïs + stylosanthes // stylosanthes // riz ; trois modes de gestion du sol et des résidus et deux niveaux de fertilisation. Deux niveaux d’enherbement en split plot ont été ajoutés en 2013/14 et 2014/15. L’amélioration du rendement en riz sur les parcelles en AC par rapport aux parcelles en CT est essentiellement liée à une diminution de la pression des adventices sur les parcelles AC pendant la période de végétation du riz. La dynamique de l’eau dans le sol ainsi que la dynamique de l’azote minéral sont fortement influencées par le régime pluviométrique et ne différent généralement pas entre AC et CT. Enfin, l’analyse de stabilité et l’écart de rendement au potentiel utilisés pour étudier les variations de rendements en riz sur les 6 saisons culturales du second dispositif expérimental ont montré que les effets des traitements étaient en interaction avec d’autres facteurs probablement liés à la variabilité spatiale du sol sur le dispositif expérimental. Les résultats de cette étude nous suggèrent de tenir compte aussi bien des fonctions agro-écologiques du mulch attendues que les régimes pluviométriques lors de la promotion d’un système AC pour améliorer la productivité des cultures. L'AC avec une quantité de résidus généralement retenus dans les parcelles de l'agriculteur (i.e. 1 - 2 t ha-1) serait efficace pour lutter contre le ruissellement et l'érosion. Cependant, des quantités supplémentaires de résidus, qui pourraient être produites avec l’introduction de rotations culturales avec une forte production de biomasse, seraient nécessaires pour lutter efficacement contre les adventices et diminuer les charges liées au sarclage<br>Conservation agriculture (CA) is based on the principles of minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and diversification of crop species grown in rotations and/or associations. CA was introduced in the late 90s in the Lake Alaotra region, Madagascar, in order to improve rainfed crop productivity which is commonly constrained by low soil fertility, soil water stress and weed infestation. The main objective of this study was to quantify and understand the impact of CA on rainfed rice productivity as compared to the practice of conventional tillage (CT). First, a review of literature was conducted on the agro-ecological functions of mulching with crop residues in relation to their quantity. The literature review showed that the optimal amount of residues required principally depends on the agro-ecological function searched for. Residue amounts of 2 to 3 t ha-1 had clear positive effects in terms of improving water infiltration and limiting water runoff and soil erosion. On the other hand, results on weed control, nutrient availability and soil fauna in relation to the amount of mulch were highly variable, suggesting the interaction of these agro-ecological functions with other factors, including residue type and soil-climate conditions. Second, two field experiments were monitored at the research center of FOFIFA in the Lake Alaotra region. A first experiment aiming at quantifying the physical effect of a mulch of crop residues on weed infestation, with amounts of surface residues ranging from 0 to 45 t ha-1 showed that the emergence and biomass of weeds on mulched plots depend mainly on the quantity and distribution of rainfall during the cropping season. Overall, weed emergence and biomass decreased with increasing amounts of mulch. However, a large quantity of residues, i.e. in the order of 10 t ha-1, was required to significantly (p<0.05) reduce weed pressure as compared to a bare soil under the agro-ecological conditions of our experiments. The second experiment was conducted during six years (2009/10 to 2014/15), and a 2-year rotation of maize + Dolichos lablab // rice and a 3-year rotation of maize + Stylosanthes guianensis // S. guianensis // rice were combined with three soil/residue management practices and two level of fertilization. Two levels of weed pressure were added as split-plot in 2013/14 and 2014/15. Higher rice grain yields on CA plots as compared to CT plots in the fifth and sixth year of the CA practice were mainly related to a decline of weed pressure under CA. Soil water and mineral nitrogen dynamics did not differ markedly between CA and CT and were strongly influenced by the rainfall pattern. Finally, the use of the concept of stability analysis and the yield gap approach to analyze the variation of rice yield under the 6 crop seasons from 2009/10 to 2014/15 showed that the effects of treatments including crop rotation, soil and residue management, and fertilization levels interact with other factors likely related to the spatial variability of the experimental design. Results of our study suggest that both agro-ecological function of mulch searched for and rainfall conditions should be taken into account when promoting CA systems to improve crop productivity in the Lake Alaotra region. Practicing CA with typical amounts of residues that are produced on farmer’s field (i.e. 1 – 2 t ha-1) is sufficient to control water runoff and soil erosion. However, extra amounts of crop residues are required to effectively control weed infestation. These extra amounts could be produced with the introduction of high biomass-producing crop rotations and could decrease the labor pressure from weeding
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Mulch, Franziska [Verfasser]. "Strafe und andere staatliche Maßnahmen gegenüber juristischen Personen. : Zu den Legitimationsbedingungen entsprechender Rechtseingriffe. / Franziska Mulch." Berlin : Duncker & Humblot, 2017. http://d-nb.info/1238441696/34.
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au, Collis04@agric uwa edu, and Shane Michael Collins. "Improving Rehabilitation Practices for the Outer Batter Slopes of Bauxite Residue Disposal Areas at Worsley Refinery, Collie, Western Australia." Murdoch University, 2002. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040510.154254.
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Control of water erosion of soil at mine sites requires an ability to predict the effects of different management practices on soil loss. Using soil loss models such as the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) requires calibration of the model for materials and situations that are not defined in the models handbook or software.
The outer slopes of bauxite residue disposal areas are potentially highly erodible surfaces, and a recent evaluation of previous rehabilitation practices at Worsley Alumina, Collie, Western Australia, identified areas on the bauxite residue disposal areas where vegetation establishment and management of long term soil loss could be improved. Field experiments commencing in April 2000 at Worsley Aluminas bauxite refinery, Collie, and laboratory tilting flume experiments run at the University of Queensland, were designed to quantify the effectiveness of different surface treatments on reducing short-term soil loss, and to model long-term erosion risks.
Crushed ferricrete caprock rock-pitch and different types of mulches, seed mixes and fertiliser rates were applied to the compacted clay batter slopes used to contain bauxite residue, with runoff, soil loss and vegetation establishment monitored periodically over 27 months. Laboratory tilting flume results were related to the field data using the soil erosion models MINErosion, the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) and RUSLE to predict event-based and annual soil loss for different treatments.
Turbo-mulch, a blocky, coarse pine bark, was the most effective surface treatment for promoting vegetation establishment, reducing rill formation and reducing soil loss, a result supported in both the field and laboratory results. Turbo-mulch and vegetation did not reduce runoff, but resulted in decreased soil loss. This shows the importance of protecting soil from raindrop impact and of the soil holding capacity of vegetation. Increased seed and fertiliser rates did not significantly affect native plant numbers or foliage cover on topsoil without turbo-mulch. Rock-pitch was found to be resistant to erosion and mass movement along a rock-pitch/compacted clay interface. Field erosion measurements ranged from 0.87 t/ha/yr for turbo-mulched treatments to 7.41 t/ha/yr for a treatment with a different seed mix, lacking turbo-mulch and lacking underlying rock-pitch. RUSLE soil loss predictions based on soil properties and soil loss estimates from the MINErosion model ranged from 0.27 to 60.0 t/ha/yr. RUSLE predictions based on tilting flume data ranged from 0.14 to 81.1 t/ha/yr. RUSLE overpredicted soil loss for treatments without turbo-mulch, and underestimated soil loss for turbo-mulched treatments, necessitating calibration based on the unique materials trialed in this study.
The relative soil loss measured in the field was best represented by RUSLE predictions based on tilting flume data rather than the MINErosion model. MINErosion did not adequately describe the effect of bulk density and infiltration on soil loss of compacted/consolidated materials. MUSLE and RUSLE are adequate models for the Western Australian conditions of this study, but further research is required to calibrate the C factor for turbo-mulched surfaces and calibrate the P factor for rock-pitch.
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Graf, Alexander. "Kondensation und Verdunstung im Wasserhaushalt vulkanischer Mulchdecken auf Lanzarote (Kanarische Inseln) /." Hohenwarsleben : Westarp-Wiss, 2004. http://www.gbv.de/dms/goettingen/39463604X.pdf.
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Costa, Raquel Alexandra Cardoso. "Estudo da biodegradabilidade de bioplásticos numa cultura de ciclo longo - morango." Master's thesis, ISA/UTL, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/5370.
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Mestrado em Engenharia do Ambiente - Instituto Superior de Agronomia<br>The use of plastic mulch in agriculture had its beginning in the middle of last century and since then its use has been intensified and the costs of send this residue to appropriate final destination lead it often to be left or burned in open field, causing huge environmental concerns. The biodegradable mulch films, which can be incorporated in the soil at the end of the crop appear as a possible solution for this problem.
The goal of this work was to test the biodegradability of 5 plastic mulches, made from biodegradable polymers, comparing to conventional Polyethylene (PE).
The biodegradability was tested in laboratory by means of a respirometric test that followed the standard EN ISO 17 556, and in field conditions, by observation and calculation of the percentage of area lost, along the time, in net frames containing the various biodegradable plastics.
The field trials to assess fruit productivity and quality were performed during two years. One of the biodegradable mulches stands out for its good performance and seems as a very promising mulch that may be a viable replacement for conventional polyethylene.
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Santos, Manuel Eduardo Paiva dos. "Análise custo-benefício da utilização de filmes biodegradáveis vs filmes de polietileno: uma aplicação concreta a uma cultura de ciclo curto." Master's thesis, ISA/UL, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/8301.
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Trail, Patrick James. "Conservation agriculture in Senegal: comparing the effects of intercropping and mulching on millet yields." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/72275.
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Situated on the western edge of Africa's harsh Sahel region, Senegal faces a number of agricultural production constraints. Limited rainfall, poor soil fertility, and insufficient agronomic inputs all contribute to low yielding millet production systems. This study was initiated to assess the potential for intercropping either cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) or mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) into traditional pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) cropping systems. During the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons two varieties of cowpea (upright and viney), and one variety of mungbean (upright) were grown in monoculture and subsequently intercropped with millet to evaluate the potential for increasing millet and overall yields. Millet was also planted with a mulch (2 t/ha of neem leaves) to test the effectiveness of increased ground cover on millet yields. In addition to yield data, soil moisture and plant NDVI data were also collected. Millet grain yields increased when intercropped with either cowpea or mungbean compared to millet that was grown alone, with grain yield increases of up to 55%. Additionally, the combined grain yields (millet + bean) were up to 67% higher than the traditional monoculture millet. The addition of mulch was the most effective treatment and increased millet grain yields up to 70%. Soil moisture increased up to 14% in mulched treatments over millet monoculture treatments. All yield increases were achieved without the addition of fertilizers or nutrient amendments. In an attempt to mimic local practices our experiment was rainfed and no soil amendments were introduced.<br>Master of Science