Control of weeds by paper mulch in vegetables and trees

Abstract

A commercially available paper mulch (EcoCover) was assessed for its persistence under field conditions and its ability to control weeds in vegetable crops and establishing trees Weeds were controlled as effectively by EcoCover in autumnplanted cabbage and lettuce crops as by black polythene mulches The paper mulch was beginning to break down by the time the crop was harvested Paper mulch that was buried decayed much faster than when left on the soil surface EcoCover was compared with residual herbicides black weed mat and another paper mulch (Korromatt) for controlling weeds under trees planted in spring Both types of paper mulch were prone to being dislodged by wind at exposed sites but otherwise provided weed control for about 6 months after being laid The potential uses of paper mulches for weed control in New Zealand are discussed