Muscatine Island Research and Demonstration Farm
Authors: Jennifer L. Tillman (Iowa State University) , Ajay Nair (Iowa State University) , Jean C. Batzer (Iowa State University) , Mark L. Gleason (Iowa State University)
Growing summer squash in a more sustainable way involves multiple management practices. Cover crops often are incorporated into the soil before planting a cash crop. However, they can also be “rolled” and used as a ground cover throughout the growing season. The cash crop is planted in small, tilled strips within the residue. This “strip-tillage” technique provides a weed-controlling, moisture-retaining mat that does not need to be removed at the season’s end, as plastic mulch does. The reduction in tillage can improve soil structure and health.
Keywords: Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Horticulture
How to Cite: Tillman, J. L. , Nair, A. , Batzer, J. C. & Gleason, M. L. (2014) “Strip-tillage and Row Cover Use in Organically and Conventionally Grown Summer Squash”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2013(1).