Proper mulching of cucumbers in the open field

For a long time, the issue of protecting cucumbers from harmful factors remains topical. One of the most effective ways to increase the yield of cucumbers cultivated in the open field is mulching.

What is mulching

Mulch called covering the topsoil materials of natural and artificial origin to protect and improveits fertile properties .

The process allows:

1. Preserve the natural moisture of the soil;
2. Reduce the volume of weed vegetation ;
3. Prevent overheating of the soil surface during the summer period and freezing during the frost period;
4. Uniformly distribute water over the soil surface during precipitation and irrigation;
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5. Prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria and fungal diseases from soil to plants;
6. Improve the soil structure and ensure its looseness, porosity, moisture permeability;
7. Prevent the erosion of ( destruction) of the soil;
8. Prevent the formation of a crust on the soil to improve water absorption during irrigation and liquid fertilizers when root feeding;
9. Create conditions for the reproduction of beneficial microorganisms;
10. Promote to accelerate the process of the formation and development of the root system.

Mulching Hinders Weed Growth

Peculiarity of Cucumber Mulching in Open Ground

In the initial period of development, the root system is subject to the negative influence of harmful factors. Therefore, both in the developmental stage and in the phase of growth and fruiting, open-ground cucumbers require the utmost attention and care.

Seasonality

The most optimal period for mulching open ground soil is early spring .

For the most efficient use of the properties, it is necessary to change the type of mulch used annually.

In this case, the ground should be sufficiently heated by sunlight. It is necessary to start mulching after planting seedlings. If the sowing of cucumbers was done with seeds, the mulch is applied after the appearance of the third and subsequent leaves.

What Materials to Use for Mulching Bushes

Use organic ( natural origin) and inorganic organic materials to mulch open ground cucumbers

Among organic materials, the most common are freshly cut grass, leaf litter, a variety of composts and other organic materials.

Grass

Mowed grass as a mulch

Before you begin to mulch, you need to leave the mowed grass in the sun for a few days .This will help get rid of various insects and pests contained in it.

clover and nettle have the best qualities as grass mulch for cucumbers. The content of nutrients, these plants are unmatched.

Mulch unfolds on the surface of pre-treated, loose and fertilized soil.

Leaves

Leaf litter is used as a mulch for cucumber using only in hot, hot weather, , when plants need a cool and moist soil. When applying the leaves in the rainy season, they rot and develop fungal diseases.

Sawdust

Cucumbers under

is used for mulching with sawdust in the hot season of the year , when it is necessary to provide sufficient soil moisture.

In the rainy season, there is an accelerated rotting of sawdust, which can provoke the appearance of various diseases. To prevent these processes, it is recommended to use wood chips or large chips.

Compost

Compost

Compost is an excellent nutrient medium for beneficial microorganisms that make compost the most valuable and easily digestible biological fertilizer - biohumus.

Compost mulch is recommended to use in the cold and rainy season of the year .High humidity will accelerate the process of decay with the release of thermal energy, which has a beneficial effect on the heating of the soil and root system in cold conditions.

artificial covering material As a covering protection, you can use various types of modern synthetic and textile rolls( film, agrofibre, geotextiles).

Due to its opacity and close fit to the ground, such materials prevent from freezing through the soil surface during the period of spring and autumn frosts, prevent the occurrence of weeds.

Mulching of cucumbers with

film Bulk artificial material

Mulch from bulk materials( crushed stone, gravel, expanded clay) is widely popular.

When mulching, it is necessary to protect the stems and leaves of cucumbers from contact with the mulch material. This will prevent the possibility of the transfer of pests from soil to plants.

Such materials are particularly light, porosity, aesthetics. They are suitable for all types of cucumbers, do not change the properties of the soil and are not carried by the wind.

Pros and cons of

Mulching of open ground allows to increase the yield and quality of cucumbers with the minimal cost of .

However, like any other method of caring for plants, mulching cucumbers cultivated outdoors also requires special attention and a competent attitude. As an alternative to the procedure, you can plant cucumbers in a greenhouse.

Mulch, as a protective mechanism on the one hand, can be a source of germination of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. For example, tree mulching can cause a lack of nitrogen in the soil. Sawdust, wood chips, hay, straw, and other flammable materials can pose a high risk of fire.