Nutsedge control in field-grown feverfew in southwest Mississippi.ABSTRACT Field studies were used in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 to investigate 'Black Plastic', 'Weed Barrier' and 'Pine Bark Nugget' (treatments) for purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus Cyperus rotundus, n See nutgrass. ) control in field-grown feverfew feverfew: see chrysanthemum. (Tanacetum parthenium). The effect of mulch mulch, any material, usually organic, that is spread on the ground to protect the soil and the roots of plants from the effects of soil crusting, erosion, or freezing; it is also used to retard the growth of weeds. applications on feverfew plant growth and shoot mineral compositions, soil properties and economics of production were also investigated. The synthetic mulches (black plastic and weed barrier) had greater control of nutsedge than organic mulch (pine bark nuggets Nuggets can refer to several branches of interest:
INTRODUCTION Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), a perennial herb belongs to the family Compositae Noun 1. family Compositae - plants with heads composed of many florets: aster; daisy; dandelion; goldenrod; marigold; lettuces; ragweed; sunflower; thistle; zinnia aster family, Asteraceae, Compositae, family Asteraceae . Its strong and lasting ordor makes it an excellent ingredient in making insect repellents. It is also rich in sesquiterpene lactones essential oils, flavonoid and costic acid. It produces histamine histamine (hĭs`təmēn'), organic compound derived in the body from the amino acid histidine by the removal of a carboxyl group (COOH). , while inhibiting the production of prostaglandins Prostaglandins Prostaglandins are produced by the body and are responsible for inflammation features, such as swelling, pain, stiffness, redness and warmth. and serotonin serotonin (sĕr'ətō`nĭn), organic compound that was first recognized as a powerful vasoconstrictor occurring in blood serum. It was partially purified, crystallized, and named in 1948, and its structure was deduced a year later. (5-HT) believed to contribute to the onset of migraine headaches. It has the tendency to lower blood pressure, stomach irritation and painful or sluggish menstruation menstruation, periodic flow of blood and cells from the lining of the uterus in humans and most other primates, occurring about every 28 days in women. Menstruation commences at puberty (usually between age 10 and 17). (Hoffman, 1995). Feverfew is commercially cultivated in Japan, Africa and Europe. However, like other herbs, weed competition is a major problem in its successful production. It competes poorly against weeds and grasses. Although weed control Weed control is the botanical component of pest control, stopping weeds from reaching a mature stage of growth when they could be harmful to domesticated plants and livestock by physical and chemical methods. is essential to its production, no herbicide herbicide (hr`bəsīd'), chemical compound that kills plants or inhibits their normal growth. A herbicide in a particular formulation and application can be described as selective or nonselective. is labeled for their control. Moreover, although weeds in crop fields have been suppressed or controlled chemically (Igbokwe, 1996; Porter, 1993; Teasdale and Frank, 1982)) the adverse effects of extensive use of chemicals on human health and the environment cannot be overemphasized. Pesticides can contaminate con·tam·i·nate v. 1. To make impure or unclean by contact or mixture. 2. To expose to or permeate with radioactivity. con·tam·i·nant n. ground and surface waters (Ritter rit·ter n. pl. ritter A knight. [German, from Middle High German riter, from Middle Dutch ridder, from r , 1990; Sachs, 1993), create a hazard to agricultural workers, and leave residues in vegetables (National Research Council, 1987; Zibberman et al., 1991). Most perennial herb gardens benefit from a layer of mulch by assisting with the uniform distribution of soil temperature and moisture. It also discourages weed growth by blocking light to prevent seed germination germination, in a seed, process by which the plant embryo within the seed resumes growth after a period of dormancy and the seedling emerges. The length of dormancy varies; the seed of some plants (e.g. (Felty, 1981). Residue mulches improve crop yield through their beneficial effects on soil and water conservation (Lal, 1976), improved soil structure and aeration aeration /aer·a·tion/ (ar-a´shun) 1. the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen by the blood in the lungs. 2. the charging of a liquid with air or gas. aer·a·tion n. (Adeoye, 1982), and favorable regulation of soil temperature (Maurya and Lal, 1980). Mulches may control weeds and eliminate the need for cultivation by smothering smothering death by asphyxiation. Occurs where poultry are carelessly herded into a corner where they cannot escape and where they are piled four or five birds deep; they will die of asphyxia very quickly. See also crowding. weed growth and cutting off light from the soil surface. They may be a source of organic matter and nutrients for the soil. Although organic mulches decompose de·com·pose v. de·com·posed, de·com·pos·ing, de·com·pos·es v.tr. 1. To separate into components or basic elements. 2. To cause to rot. v.intr. 1. to add plant nutrients to the soil, the high carbon content of many of these materials may contribute to nitrogen deficiency Nitrogen (N) deficiency in plants can occur when woody material such as sawdust is added to the soil. Soil organisms will utilise any nitrogen in order to break this down, thus making it temporarily unavailable to growing plants. , especially if the mulch is later plowed under (Janick, 1979). High yields of fresh-market basil can be obtained from plants grown in double-rows with an in-row plant spacing of 15 to 23 cm, on raised beds with black, polyethylene mulch and drip irrigation
MATERIALS AND METHODS Two synthetic mulches (black plastic and weed barrier) and one organic mulch (pine bark nuggets) were evaluated for purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) control in field-grown feverfew (Tanecetum parthenium). The effect of mulch application on plant survival, growth and mineral composition, soil extractable macronutrients This is a list of macronutrients. Minerals
Amino Acids
tr.v. ran·dom·ized, ran·dom·iz·ing, ran·dom·iz·es To make random in arrangement, especially in order to control the variables in an experiment. design (CRD CRD See Central Registration Depository (CRD). ) with three replications of each mulch application (treatment). On October 26, 1999 field plot was disked for the first time. The second disking plus bed preparation were done one week later. Soil samples collected at 0-20 cm soil depth before disking and at the end of each growing season were analyzed for extractable nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg), soil acidity acidity /acid·i·ty/ (-i-te) the quality of being acid; the power to unite with positively charged ions or with basic substances. a·cid·i·ty n. The state, quality, or degree of being acid. and percent organic matter. Cations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry Absorption spectrometry A scientific procedure to determine chemical makeup of samples. Mentioned in: Herbalism, Traditional Chinese ; soil acidity by barium barium (bâr`ēəm) [Gr.,=heavy], metallic chemical element; symbol Ba; at. no. 56; at. wt. 137.33; m.p. 725°C;; b.p. 1,640°C;; sp. gr. 3.5 at 20°C;; valence +2. chloride-triethanolamine method; and organic matter by wet and dry combustion techniques. Fertilization fertilization, in biology, process in the reproduction of both plants and animals, involving the union of two unlike sex cells (gametes), the sperm and the ovum, followed by the joining of their nuclei. at bed preparation with half nitrogen (42.0 Kg/ha N), and full doses of phosphorus (112 Kg/ha [P.sub.2][O.sub.5]) and potassium (112 Kg/ha [K.sub.2]O) were based on soil test results. Additional nitrogen fertilization was through the slits, one month later. Mulching for weed control was either with 6-mil black plastic, weed barrier or pine bark nuggets. The unprotected beds served as control. Pine bark nugget Nugget A 15 year Gold FHLMC (Freddie Mac) bond; similar to a Dwarf. thickness ranged from 5.0 to 7.5 cm. A total of 63 feverfew seedlings, were transplanted into each of the three rows within each bed at 0.3 m within- and between-row one day after bed preparation, for a total of 189 seedlings per bed. Transplanting on mulched beds was through slits, 15.0 cm in diameter, whereas unmulched beds were conventionally transplanted. Irrigation irrigation, in agriculture, artificial watering of the land. Although used chiefly in regions with annual rainfall of less than 20 in. (51 cm), it is also used in wetter areas to grow certain crops, e.g., rice. with hose was done at transplanting and during the second nitrogen application period, and overhead sprinklers were used as needed as needed prn. See prn order. each growing season Weed counts were made on December 7, 1999, February 17, May 26, and June 22, 2000. Purple nutsedge which pierced through each mulch and transplanting slits were counted, pulled and discarded, whereas, feverfew plants standing at each weed count were recorded as plant survival. Those in unmulched control plots were also counted, pulled and discarded with other weeds not under investigation. The averages for weed count and plant survival were reported for each treatment and the control. A total of five randomly selected plants from each of the three rows within each bed under each treatment and control were used for data collection on plant growth (canopy height, canopy width, stem diameter, branches per plant and shoot dry weight) and quality (mineral compositions). Canopy height was measured from soil surface to the highest point of the canopy at natural stand. Canopy widths were average values for measures taken in North-South and East-West directions. Stem diameter was determined with a caliper caliper Instrument that consists of two adjustable legs or jaws for measuring the dimensions of material parts. Spring calipers have an adjusting screw and nut; firm-joint calipers use friction at the joint to hold the legs unmoving. at soil level; branches per plant as offshoots from the main stem; and shoot dry weight as the value after oven-drying plant shoot samples at 70[degrees]C for 24 hours Adv. 1. for 24 hours - without stopping; "she worked around the clock" around the clock, round the clock . Some of the dry samples ground n a Wiley Mills[R] to pass through 20 mesh sieve were used to determine plant shoot mineral compositions. All data were analyzed by analysis of variance and means separated by Fisher's least significant difference (LSD LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide (lī'sûr`jĭk, dī'ĕth`ələmĭd, dī'ĕthəlăm`ĭd), alkaloid synthesized from lysergic acid, which is found in the fungus ergot ( ) test (Steel and Torrie, 1980). All input requirements for mulched and unmulched plots were determined. Summary of estimated costs and returns were used to compare the relative profitability due to treatments. Input costs included purchased mulch materials and applications, purchased fertilizers, planting and plot maintenance. Sales from shoots at $23.75 per kilogram kilogram, abbr. kg, fundamental unit of mass in the metric system, defined as the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram, a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at Sèvres, France, near Paris. of dry weight represented the returns for each treatment and control. Profitability was gross income less input costs. On October 12, 2000 fields were again prepared for the second study season. The unprotected beds were tilled and built up as for the first study season. Existing nutsedge and other weeds on the protected beds were hand-pulled, making sure that the synthetic mulches were not mechanically damaged. Desired thickness for pine bark nugget was restored with additional mulch application. Seedlings were transplanted into all beds, one day after bed preparation. Plant survival and weed counts were taken on Nov. 27, 2000, Feb. 14, May 25, and June 2, 2001. Data collection on plant growth, mineral compositions, profitability was as for the first study period. Soil samples collected at 0-20 cm soil depth were used for the determination of soil extractable nutrients, acidity and organic matter. All analyses were as for the first study season. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Preplant soil extractable nutrients were high for phosphorus, potassium and calcium, and was very high for magnesium. Soil acidity was pH 7.3 whereas, soil organic matter was 1.0% (Table 1). Post harvest extractable phosphorus, calcium and soil acidity were highest for black plastic; potassium was highest for the control; and both magnesium and soil organic matter were highest for the pine bark nugget. After two years of study, the average extractable nutrients were slightly increased for treatments except for potassium. Both soil acidity and organic mater were slightly increased. In general, soil extractable nutrient values suggest that feverfew may not be a heavy feeder, and could have the potential for enhancing soil fertility if roots are allowed to decompose after each growing season, and soil movement restricted with synthetic or organic mulches. In the first study season, plant survival was perfect (100%) for the treatments and the control during the first three evaluation periods (Table 2). Plant survival was also perfect for black plastic and the control at the fourth evaluation period but was not significantly different from weed barrier and pine bark nuggets. In the second study season, plant survival was as for the first study season during the first three evaluation periods. Plant survival was perfect for weed barrier and control, at fourth evaluation period but was not significantly different from black plastic and pine bark nuggets. High levels of feverfew plant survival due to each mulch treatment and control indicate that with high soil macronutrient macronutrient /mac·ro·nu·tri·ent/ (-noo´tre-ent) an essential nutrient required in relatively large amounts, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, or water; sometimes certain minerals are included, such as calcium, chloride, or sodium. levels, 7.3 to 7.7 soil reaction range, and 1.0 to 1.5% soil organic matter level, feverfew could be grown as fall crop in southwest Mississippi if other growth factors are not limiting. This suggests that feverfew could be a good addition to fall crops grown by farmers in Mississippi and other southern States Southern States U.S. Confederacy government of 11 Southern states that left the Union in 1860. [Am. Hist.: EB, III: 73] Dixie popular name for Southern states in U.S. and for song. [Am. Hist. with mild winter, however, seedlings must be transplanted into field plots by the third week in October, or earlier to allow for proper plant establishment before the first killing frost late in November, and greater plant survival. Black plastic provided perfect control of purple nutsedge during both study seasons, whereas weed barrier and black plastic provided similar control during the second study season (Table 3). The untreated plots (control) had the greatest weed populations but were generally not significantly different from plots covered with pine bark nuggets. The ability of 6-mil black plastic to provide better control of purple nutsedge during both evaluation periods compared to other treatments and control could suggest the importance of mulch thickness and lack of perforations in the prevention of nutsedge seed germination and smothering of seedlings. The extent of the control will depend among other factors such as the type, thickness and duration of mulch materials. In 1999-2000 study season, mulch treatments did not influence feverfew growth components except for the number of branches and shoot dry weight (Table 4). Both components were highest for the black plastic mulch Plastic mulch is a product used, in a similar fashion to mulch, to suppress weeds and conserve water in crop production and landscaping. Certain plastic mulches also act as a barrier to keep methyl bromide, both a powerful fumigant and ozone depleter, in the soil. and lowest for the pine bark mulch. In 2000-2001 mulch treatment did not influence the growth components (Table 4). During the first study season, the number of branches per plant was greatest for black plastic, but were not different from weed barrier. Shoot dry weight was greatest for black plastic, and lowest for weed barrier (Table 4). Treatments did not influence growth components significantly during the second study period. Although variations in growth components were not generally significant, black plastic which had the greatest number of branches per plant and shoot dry weight in the first season seems to favor shoot growth more than other treatments and the control. However, the difference is dependent on the growing season. Shoot mineral compositions were not significantly different except for potassium, which was greatest for weed barrier, and lowest for pine bark nuggets during the first study period (Table 5). During the second study period, shoot mineral compositions were not different except for nitrogen, which was greatest for pine bark nuggets, and lowest for black plastic. The general nonsignificant non·sig·nif·i·cant adj. 1. Not significant. 2. Having, producing, or being a value obtained from a statistical test that lies within the limits for being of random occurrence. variations in feverfew shoot mineral compositions suggest that mulching may not significantly influence soil nutrient uptake in locations with high soil extractable nutrients, proper soil acidity and high soil organic matter level in southwest Mississippi. Profitability was greatest for pine bark nuggets, and lowest for weed barrier during the first study season (Table 6). During the second study period, profitability was greatest for black plastic and lowest for the control. Profitability seems to depend more on the cost of mulch material purchase and plant growth than labor cost for mulched plots, but not for unprotected control. Using synthetic mulches for more than one growing season will reduce cost of production that leads to increase in profitability. The 6-mil black plastic which can be used for more than two growing seasons is more economical than weed barrier or pine bark nuggets for the control of purple nutsedge in feverfew plots. CONCLUSIONS Mulching can control purple nutsedge in field-grown feverfew; however the extent of control will vary with type of mulch and duration of application. Feverfew seedlings transplanted into field plots during the second or third week in October as fall crop will overcome the mild winter in southwest Mississippi, grow to maturity for the following spring or early summer harvest. It could be a good alternative crop for farmers with the desire to grow medicinal plants as fall crops in the region. Using 6-mil black plastic or similar mulch materials that could remain effective for two or more consecutive years will reduce the cost of production to enhance profitability. LITERATURE CITED Adeoye, K.B. 1982. Effect of tillage depth on physical properties of a tropical soil and on yield of maize maize: see corn. , sorghum sorghum, tall, coarse annual (Sorghum vulgare) of the family Gramineae (grass family), somewhat similar in appearance to corn (but having the grain in a panicle rather than an ear) and used for much the same purposes. , and cotton. Soil and Tillage Res. 2:115-231. Davis, J.M. 1993. In-row plant spcing and yields of fresh-market basil. J. Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plant 2(1):35-43. Felty, S.L. 1981. Grown herbs for the kitchen. Garden Way Publishing Bulletin, A-61. Hoffman, D. 1995. The holistic herbal. The Elements books, Inc. Great Britain Great Britain, officially United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 60,441,000), 94,226 sq mi (244,044 sq km), on the British Isles, off W Europe. The country is often referred to simply as Britain. and USA pg 73. Igbokwe, P.E. 1996. Mulching for nutsedge control in field grown peppers. J. Vegetable Production 2(1):47-52. Janick, J. 1979. Horticultural science, 3rd ed. W. H. Freeman and Company. San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden , USA. Pp. 310-318. Lal, R. 1976. No-tillage effects on soil properties under different crops in Western Nigeria. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 40:766-768. Maurya, R.R. and R. Lal 1980. Effects of different mulch materials on soil properties, root growth and yield of maize and cowpea cowpea, black-eyed pea, or black-eyed bean, annual legume (Vigna sinensis) of the pulse family. Introduced in the early 18th cent. . Field Crops Res. 4:33-46. National Research Council. 1987. Regulating pesticides in food: The Delany paradox. National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. Porter, W.C. 1993. Sedge sedge, common name for members of the Cyperaceae, a family of grasslike and rushlike herbs found in all parts of the world, especially in marshes of subarctic and temperate zones. control in sweetpotatoes. Biennial Report of Vegetable Research in Southern United States The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive region in the southeastern and south-central United States. , Hawaii, and Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (pwār`tō rē`kō), island (2005 est. pop. 3,917,000), 3,508 sq mi (9,086 sq km), West Indies, c.1,000 mi (1,610 km) SE of Miami, Fla. . P 88. Ritter, W.F. 1990. Pesticide contamination of groundwater in the United States--a review. J. Env. Sci. Health B25:1-29. Sachs, C.E. 1993. Growing public concern over pesticides in food and water, Pp. 380-389. In D. Pimental and H. Lehman, eds. The pesticide question: Environmental, economic, and ethics. Chapman and Hall Chapman and Hall was a British publishing house, founded in the first half of the 19th century by Edward Chapman and William Hall. Upon Hall's death in 1847, Chapman's cousin Frederic Chapman became partner in the company, of which he became sole manager upon the retirement of . Steele, G.D.R. and J.H. Torrie. 1980. Principles and Procedures of Statistics: A Biometrical Approach. McGraw-Hill Inc. New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of . Teasdale, J. R. and J.R. Frank. 1982. Weed control system for narrow and wide row snapbean population. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 107(6):1164-1167. Zibberman, D., A. Schmitz, G Casterline, F. Lichtenberg, and I.B. Siebert. 1991. The economics of pesticide use and regulation. Sci. 253:518-522. Patrick Igbokwe (1), Huam, L., Dagher, M., Alipoe, D., and Chukwuma, F., Department of Agriculture, Alcorn State University Alcorn State University, located near Lorman, Mississippi, United States, is a public land grant university. It was founded in 1871 as the nation's first state-supported higher education institution for blacks. , Alcorn State, MS 39096 Corresponding Author: Patrick Igbokwe
Table 1. Field plot soil properties
Soil Extractable Nutrients Soil Soil Organic
Level (Kg x [ha.sup.-1]) Acidity Matter
Treatment P K Ca Mg (pH) (%)
Preplant Soil Fertility Level (1999) (1)
108.4 230.0 4290.2 852.7 7.1 1.1
H H H H+
Postharvest Fertility Level (2001) (2)
Black Plastic 169.1 221.7 5062.8 843.0 7.7 1.2
Weed Barrier 134.8 193.8 4506.5 899.8 7.6 1.3
Pine Bark Nugget 115.7 188.4 4117.5 905.7 7.4 1.5
Control 110.6 280.0 4314.2 855.7 7.3 1.0
LSD (P=0.05) 7.9 9.6 115.0 31.5 0.1 0.2
(1) Values represent the soil property before this study, where
[H.sup.+] = very high; H = high nutrient level.
(2) Values represent the soil properties after two years of study.
Table 2. Mulching effect on plant survival.
Survival Evaluation Period
Treatment First Second Third Fourth
1999-2000 (1)
Black Plastic 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Weed Barrier 100.0 100.0 100.0 96.8
Pine Bark Nugget 100.0 100.0 100.0 95.2
Control 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS NS NS
2000-2001 (2)
Black Plastic 100.0 100.0 100.0 98.4
Weed Barrier 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Pine Bark Nugget 100.0 100.0 100.0 96.8
Control 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS NS NS
(1) Plant survival counts for 1999-2000.
(2) Plant survival counts for 2000-2001.
Table 3. Mulching effect on purple nutsedge control
Treatment First Second Third Fourth Total Count
1999-2000 (1)
Black Plastic 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Weed Barrier 0.0 0.0 2.7 8.3 11.0
Pine Bark Nugget 34.0 30.0 17.0 20.0 101.7
Control 39.0 35.2 23.0 20.7 118.3
LSD (P=0.05) 12.7 11.5 2.9 6.0 6.5
LSD (P=0.01) 19.3 17.5 4.8 9.1 9.8
2000-2001 (2)
Black Plastic 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Weed Barrier 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Pine Bark Nugget 3.7 3.4 4.3 1.0 12.3
Control 19.7 4.0 5.7 3.0 32.3
LSD (P=0.05) 1.2 1.0 1.8 1.0 1.8
LSD (P=0.01) 1.8 1.5 2.7 1.5 2.8
(1) First, Second, Third and Fourth.
(2) First, Second, Third and Fourth.
Table 4. Mulching effect on feverfew growth components
Plant Growth Components
Canopy Canopy Stem Shoot Dry
Treatment Height Width Diameter No. of Branches Weight
(Mulching) cm Per Plant (kg/plant)
1999-2000 (1)
Black Plastic 63.5 35.3 1.2 25.6 0.019
Weed Barrier 54.8 30.6 1.0 22.0 0.014
Pine Bark Mulch 60.6 27.0 1.0 10.8 0.017
Control 60.6 27.5 1.0 11.0 0.016
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS NS 3.9 0.004
LSD (P=0.01) NS NS NS 5.5 NS
2000-2001 (2)
Black Plastic 96.1 61.6 0.80 14.7 0.016
Weed Barrier 97.7 55.0 0.82 14.0 0.013
Pine Bark Mulch 89.2 50.5 0.86 12.1 0.011
Control 80.8 51.9 0.80 13.4 0.014
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS NS NS NS
LSD (P=0.01) NS NS NS NS NS
(1) Data collected at the end of the first year of study.
(2) Data collected at the end of the second year of study.
Table 5. Mulching effect on feverfew shoot mineral composition
Shoot Mineral Composition
Treatment N P K Ca Mg S
(Mulching) %
1999-2000 (1)
Black Plastic 1.6 0.28 3.1 0.48 0.15 0.10
Weed Barrier 1.8 0.34 3.9 0.58 0.21 0.12
Pine Bark Mulch 1.7 0.22 2.2 0.45 0.18 0.11
Control 1.6 0.30 3.1 0.50 0.17 0.10
Average 1.7 0.29 3.1 0.50 0.18 0.11
LSD (P=0.05) NS NS 1.2 NS NS NS
Shoot Mineral Composition
Treatment N P K Ca Mg S
(Mulching) %
2000-2001 (2)
Black Plastic 2.6 0.43 7.0 0.42 0.89 0.19
Weed Barrier 3.2 0.47 9.0 0.52 1.05 0.20
Pine Bark Mulch 5.5 0.42 8.5 0.53 1.55 0.24
Control 5.0 0.49 8.5 0.52 1.55 0.24
Average 4.1 0.45 8.3 0.50 1.26 0.22
LSD (P=0.05) 0.8 NS NS NS 0.41 NS
LSD (P=0.01) 1.1 NS NS NS NS NS
(1) Data collected after the first year of study.
(2) Data collected after the second year.
Table 6. Summary of estimated costs and returns per hectare.
Production (1) Marketable (2) Total (3) Total (4)
Treatment costs dry shoot sale profit
(Mulching) ($) ($) ($) ($)
1999-2000
Black plastic 24,772.3 2,111.1 50,138.9 25,366.6
Weed Barrier 27,140.2 1,556.0 36,955.0 9,814.8
Pine bark nuggets 19,490.0 1,889.0 44,863.7 25,373.8
Control 24,362.5 1,778.0 42,227.5 17,865.0
2000-2001
Black plastic 6,102.0 1,777.8 42,222.3 36,120.8
Weed Barrier 6,102.0 1,444.4 34,304.5 28,202.5
Pine bark nuggets 11,156.6 1,222.2 29,027.3 17,870.7
Control 24,362.5 1,555.6 6,945.5 12,583.0
(1) Total costs include materials, supplies and labor.
(2) Marketable leaf and flower dry weights based on 11,111 plants per
hectare.
(3) Total sales at $23.75 per kilogram, based on average unit price from
herb catalogs.
(4) Total sales minus production costs.
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