Biodegradable Mulch Background | Biodegradable Mulch, Analyzing Research Articles and Statistical Data

In this activity, you will experience some of the data analysis work that a horticulture crop production expert conducts to discover better methods to grow specialty crops such as peppers, tomatoes and sweetcorn. You will also learn how Dr. Wortman and other horticulturists share their story with other scientists through reading and writing peer-reviewed scientific articles. Sharing science stories and peer reviewing leads to science-based decisions growers can use to improve their plant growing practices. To start this activity, watch the video that features our horticulture crop expert, Sam Wortman. Then answer the questions below to check for understanding of Dr. Wortman's goals.

If you are having trouble viewing the video click on Dr. Wortman's Research.

Quiz

Question

What is the goal of biomulch application?

Suppress weeds

Conserve soil moisture

All of the above

Looks Good!

Question

What would be a preferred characteristic of a biomulch material?

Is durable over a three year time frame

Is durable during the growing season when it is first used, then quickly degrades

Is durable over a two year time frame

Looks Good!

After watching the video, continue to the next page of this lesson to Kristina Alas' video. Kristina will walk you through the methods of Dr. Wortman's experiment, how it was conducted, and what he discovered about mulches.