Influence of polypropylene gauze covering on soil temperature in nurseries

• Published in: Forest ecology and management Vol. 53; no. 1; pp. 319 - 328
• Main Authors: Heiskanen, J., Raitio, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.10.1992; Elsevier
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Artificial regeneration. Forest nurseries. Planting; Biological and medical sciences; Forestry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; PEPINIERE; PINUS SYLVESTRIS; PLANT NURSERIES; POLIPROPILENO; POLYPROPYLENE; SOIL TEMPERATURE; Sowing and planting; TEMPERATURA DEL SUELO; TEMPERATURE DU SOL; VIVEROS; Europe; Finland; Planting stock; Forest regeneration; Propylene polymer; Growing season; Nursery (plant); Environmental factor; Microclimate; Pinus sylvestris; Plastic mulching; Frost prevention; Softwood forest tree; Gymnospermae; Coniferales; Spermatophyta; Soil temperature
• ISSN: 0378-1127; 1872-7042
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-1127(92)90050-J

The effect of polypropylene gauze covering (Agryl P 17) on soil temperature was examined in open seedling beds with barerooted Scots pine seedlings. Measurements were collected during three growing seasons from four nurseries in Finland. Temperatures were measured at the soil surface and at depths of 5, 10 and 15 cm, together with air temperature from a thermometer screen near the soil surface. The soil temperature during the growing periods studied varied between +10 and +20°C. The covering increased the soil temperature by an average of 1–3°C. The differences in surface temperature between covered and uncovered soils varied between −2 and +15°C. The greatest differences occurred at maximum temperatures. Under the covering, the temperature can be harmfully high for the growth of seedlings; but on the other hand, polypropylene gauze covering can provide protection against light frosts (greater than −2°C).