EFFECT OF MULCHING MATERIALS ON POTATO PRODUCTION IN DIFFERENT SOIL-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

This paper explores the effectiveness of organic and plastic mulching for potato production in two different regions (Highlands and Lowlands) of the Czech Republic. The mulching with chopped grass (GM) and black textile mulch (BTM) were compared to non-mulching control variant with mechanical cultivation (C). In plots with BTM, ridges were first formed and covered by the black polypropylene non-woven textile and then planting was done. During vegetation, the infestation of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), as well as weeds biomass, evolution of soil temperature and soil water potential, was assessed. The results showed that GM had a positive effect on increased the proportion of tuber size fraction above 56 mm. Use of GM and BTM in colder site (Highlands) in both treatments had a positive effect on increasing soil temperatures (by 1.3 and 1.6°C) and tuber yields (by 36.1% and 27.3%) compared with C. Also here, higher soil temperatures in both mulches correlated with a slightly higher occurrence of CPB. Same was observed in BTM in the Lowlands. Use of GM and BTM in the Lowlands had different effects on soil temperatures (GM decreased soil temperatures and BTM increased soil temperatures compared to C). GM reduced the soil temperatures, soil water potential (SWP) and significantly increased tuber yields in warmer site with limited rainfall (in Lowlands). The tuber yields were higher, even though weed biomass in GM increased as well. In warmer site (in the Lowlands) decreased yield in treatments with BTM (by 9.8% compared to C). This yield reduction was caused mainly by higher SWP and a higher incidence of CPB.