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WINTER MULCH FOR STRAWBERRIES Sonia Schloemann, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Experiment Station, University of Ma ssachusetts, Amherst, MA An important fall job in commerc ial strawberry production is mulching. Strawberries are commonly grown in cold climates, such as the no rthern US and Canada, but the strawberry plant itself is actually quite vulnerable to cold injury. Research has shown that, without mulch, strawberry crowns can suffer damage at temp eratures below 12°F and unprotected strawberry plants can suffer desiccation damage from drying winter winds. Protective mulch can protect strawberries from cold by providing insulation , and from desiccation by providing a barrier against drying winds. Mulches will also protect pl ants from injury caused by soil heaving, which results from freezing/ thawing cycles during the wi nter. So, a key to consistent quality strawberry production in cold climates is in protecting the plants from se vere temperatures or temperature swings through the practice of mulching. Production systems can also affect the need for mulching. Plants on raised beds, for example, are more vulnerable to cold and desiccation injury than plants in level plantings, especially in locations that are exposed to strong winter wi nds. Annual production systems, such as fall planted plasticulture, may utilize less hardy or disease susceptible cultivars. As we will see, mulching practices must adapt to these new systems. When should the strawberry grower plan to apply mulch? Research suggests that a good timing guide is to apply mulch after three consecutive days with a soil temperature of 40°F or below. This soil temperature usually occurs after multiple frosts, and when the plants have slowed growth in response to cooler temperatures. It is best to apply mulch before the soil freezes solid. So, in New England, mulches are usually applied in late November. What is a good mulch material? The traditional mulching material for strawberries in New England is straw. Straws from wheat, rice, oats, or Sudan grass work well. Straws coarser than Sudan grass are not recommended. Straw should be clean, free from weed seed, and contains a minimum of grain seed. Strawberry growers can produce their own straw, often cutting the straw before the grain seed is viable. Store straw for mulching in a dry area. Occasiona lly, grain seedlings can become a weed problem the following spring; an application of sethoxydim will give good control. How much mulch should be applied? A traditional, level matted row planting will require 2.5 to 3 tons of straw per acre for a 2 to 3 inch deep mulch, or about 300 small bales of average weight. Raised bed plantings and sites with st rong wind may require twice this amount for adequate coverage. How is the mulch applied? Smaller plantings may be mulched by hand by shaking out the bales of straw over the row. Larger plantings ofte n use bale choppers to break up the straw bales and distribute the straw over the bed. Choppers are available for both small bales and large round bales.
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