Biobased mulch (biomulch) is a useful organic weed management tool, but is not typically used for high-density, direct-seeded vegetable plantings like leafy greens or carrots or in matted-row strawberries. Instead, hand weeding is common in these crops, but the cost and scarcity of labor represents a significant barrier to economic sustainability in these systems. Our goal is to leverage the unique properties of a novel biobased fabric mulch to develop and study a system where crop seeds or clonal plants grow on and through the mulch. In this system, we are studying the capacity for the biomulch to provide season long weed suppression, reduce labor, reduce exposure to foodborne pathogens, and serve as a climate-smart practice by conserving soil moisture, mitigating extreme root zone temperatures, and improving soil health. We are studying different biomulch constructions, including some that included embedded particles of organic fertilizer for integrated nitrogen and weed management.
Research Updates
RootThru Biofabric: Integrated nutrient and weed management for leafy greens, carrots, and strawberries
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Proof of Concept for Growing Lettuce and Carrot in a Biobased Mulch System
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Funding Sources
- USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Organic Transitions Program (ORG), award #2020-51106-32380
- Nebraska Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Collaborators
- Ignatius Kadoma, 3M Company
- Dr. Lisa Durso, USDA ARS
- Dr. Rhae Drijber and Dr. Liz Jeske, UNL
Disclosures
Sam Wortman has disclosed a financial interest in Sage Eco-Innovations, LLC, a company developing, manufacturing, and selling biobased mulch products. In accordance with its Conflict of Interest Policy, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln COI in Research Committee has determined that this must be disclosed.
Related Publications
- Tofanelli, M., I. Kadoma, and S. E. Wortman. 2020. Proof of concept for growing lettuce and carrot in a biobased mulch membrane. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742170520000162
Comparison of spring mix lettuce grown with (left) and without (right) the biobased fabric for weed suppression.
Lettuce roots that have grown through the biobased fabric mulch to facilitate season-long weed suppression.