THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT ORGANIC MULCH ON THE CARROT (Daucus sativa L.) CROP

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of different organic mulches on the weediness of the carrot (Daucus sativa L.)  crop throughout the growing season. Research is conducted in 2023. Vilkaviškis district in Giedriau village. The aim of the experiment: to evaluate and compare the influence of different organic mulches on weediness in the edible carrot crop. Weed seedlings were counted in each field in four permanent plots of 0.2 x 0.3 m every 10 days. During each census, weeds were uprooted, counted and their species composition determined.

During the study, it was found that all organic mulches significantly reduced (between 1.3 and 1.8 times) the germination of short-lived and general weeds compared to non-mulched fields. A 10 cm thick layer of organic mulch significantly reduced (2.2 times) perennial weed germination compared to 5 cm thick mulched fields. The emergence of short-lived weeds was also reduced (1.4 times) by a 5 cm thick layer of mulch, but not significantly. During the research period, it was found that grass and straw mulch significantly increased the yield (between 2.1 and 2.2 times) of edible carrots (Daucus sativa L.), and a 10 cm thick layer of mulch had a significantly increased yield (1.4 times) of edible carrots (Daucus sativa L.) compared to a 5 cm layer of mulch.