Tarping to Improve Weed Management and Reduce Tillage in Vegetable Systems

Weed management is a persistent challenge for vegetable growers, with traditional methods like cultivation, plastic mulch, herbicides, and hand weeding presenting various limitations. Tarping has emerged as an effective, low-cost alternative that uses impermeable plastic sheets to suppress weeds through occultation (blocking light) or solarization (heat buildup), depending on tarp type. In addition to weed control, tarping aids in cover crop termination, stale seedbed preparation, moisture retention, and transitioning fallow land to production, offering a versatile and sustainable solution, especially in reduced-tillage systems.

Pages / Length: 4
Publication Date: 04/2025

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Permanent link for this product: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/17243