Summary
The results of this study strongly indicate that in the tropics, where the soil temperatures are above the optimum for potato cultivation, a decrease in soil temperature from mulching caused significant increases in potato yields. Mulching also helped in the conservation of soil moisture which is important in areas of low rainfall.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature Cited
Burrows, W. C. and W. E. Larson. 1962. Effect of amount of mulch on soil temperature and early growth of corn. Agron. J. 54: 19–23.
Schaller, F. W. and D. D. Evans. 1954. Some effects of mulch tillage. Agr. Eng. 35: 731–734.
Van Wijk, W. R., W. E. Larson and W. C. Burrows. 1959. Soil temperature and the early growth of corn from mulched and unmulched soil. Soil Sci. of Am. Proc. 23: 428–434.
Willis, W. O., W. E. Larson and D. Kirkham. 1957. Corn growth as affected by soil temperature and mulch. Agron. J. 49: 323–328.
Additional information
Contribution from the Department of Agrosomy, Escuela Agricola Panamericana, El Zamorano, Honduras.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Awan, A.B. Influence of mulch on soil moisture, soil temperature and yield of potatoes. American Potato Journal 41, 337–339 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855669
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855669