Sheet Mulching as an Aid to Broadleaved Tree Establishment

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Abstract
In two experiments growth of ash ( Fraxinus excelsior L. ) and hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus L. ) transplants was greatly increased by various synthetic sheet mulches. Killing the weeds with herbicides before laying the mulches increased tree growth a little. Clear polythene gave the highest soil temperatures and reduced ash survival. However, soil temperature appeared to have little effect on tree growth, tree growing well despite the low soil temperatures induced by aluminium foil. The ability of the mulch to remain intact and resist weed invasion was more important than soil temperature. Opaque mulches were found to be preferable to translucent ones, since weeds grew beneath the latter and dislodged them. Tree growth was better with impermeable than permeable translucent mulches: it is suggested that this difference was related to the mulches ability to retain moisture transpired by the weeds beneath them. Practical recommendations for sheet mulching are made.