Virginia Tech researchers published their findings on weed management methods for strawberry production, offering new options for farmers aiming to reduce or eliminate chemical use.  

The study, led by researchers Baker D. Aljawasim, Charles Johnson, Mikel Manchester, and Jayesh B. Samtani, focused on using soil solarization and mustard seed meal as natural alternatives to traditional chemical fumigants.

This research addresses environmentally friendly weed control methods for strawberries grown using the annual hill plasticulture system, the most common practice for mid-Atlantic strawberry growers. Using this method, young plants are transplanted into raised plastic-covered beds in the fall to be harvested the following spring. 

Weeds are a persistent challenge in strawberry fields, as they compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The rising concern of chemical fumigant’s impact on the environment and human health has driven the search for safer alternatives. 

“This research was motivated by the need to support strawberry growers with methods that are both effective and safe for the environment,” explains Baker Aljawasim, Graduate Research Assistant at Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads AREC. “Our goal was to explore solutions that reduce reliance on chemicals while maintaining high crop yields.”

Testing Soil Solarization and Mustard Seed Meal

The researchers tested two natural methods to see if they could keep the weeds down and still produce good strawberry yields:

  • Soil Solarization: This method involves covering the soil with a clear plastic tarp for several weeks to trap sunlight and heat up the soil. The heat can kill weed seeds and disease and insect pests.
  • Mustard Seed Meal: This is a natural byproduct from mustard plants, which, when mixed into the soil, releases chemicals that can harm weeds.

Different combinations of these two methods for different amounts of time (4 weeks and 8 weeks) were compared to the standard fumigant treatment and to an untreated plot.

Implications for Growers

They found a combination of soil solarization and mustard seed meal for an 8-week period worked the best for controlling weeds while producing strawberry yields that were similar to that of the fumigant treatment. 

“The eight-week solarization and mustard seed meal treatment proved to be a powerful alternative, offering effective weed management without the need for chemical fumigants,” says Dr. Jayesh Samtani, Associate Professor and Small Fruit Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech’s Hampton Roads AREC. “This is particularly valuable for organic producers and those operating small farm affected by new restrictions on chemical use.”

The study’s findings suggest that soil solarization and mustard seed meal can provide organic and sustainable solutions for weed control, supporting healthier environments and potentially lowering costs for farmers. 

Access Full Study Here