THE EFFECT OF MULCHING ON SOIL TEMPERATURE, WINTER POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) GROWTH AND YIELD IN FIELD EXPERIMENT, SOUTH CHINA

The growth of winter potato, which is mainly planted in South China, is negatively affected by low temperatures. However, mulching is an effective method to increase soil temperatures. Here, the effects of black plastic, white plastic and rice straw mulch were assessed on soil temperatures, as well as on potato growth and yield through field experiment. The daily mean temperatures increased by up to 7.5 degrees C and 6.5 degrees C under black and white plastic mulch, respectively, compared with no mulch. Furthermore, the emergence rates and dates were accelerated by mulching, with the greatest tuber yields being observed under the black mulch treatment in two growing seasons. Additionally, mulching altered the soil's fertility properties and soil microorganism composition. Taken together, mulching with black plastic film is an effective method that benefits winter potato production in Typical Pearl River Delta Plain in south China.