The Effect of Sudangrass Straw and Poly-Foam Mulches when used as Winter Protectants on the Growth and Yield of Redcoat Strawberries

Abstract

Strawberries are commonly mulched with grain straw or hay in northern regions as insulation to preserve soil heat and prevent exposure to ambient cold air during cold weather (1, 3, 5). Mulch is applied in early to mid November before air temperatures drop to 15°F but normally after two or three hard frosts (2, 3). This delay is essential to permit full winter acclimation before mulching and thereby prevent winter cold injury which can occur if crown temperatures drop to 15 to 20°F depending on the stage of acclimation at time of exposure (2). Protection is thus provided in early winter in lieu of adequate snow cover which may not occur before damage results, during the winters when snow cover is inadequate, and in the spring when partial snow melt can leave plants unprotected. The date of bloom can also be delayed to avoid frost or enhanced to encourage early maturity by regulating the time of mulch removal (4).