The Effects of Different Mulches on Cucumber (Cucumis Sativa L.) Yield and Some Characteristics of Weeds

The effects of mulches on weeds and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) yield, examined by field experiment at Research Station of Tabriz University in 2012, based on randomized complete block designed with four replications. Treatments included four kinds of mulches such as transparent plastic, black plastic, wheat straw, paper and control (mulch free). Results showed that black plastic was the most successful in weeds control, so that up to one month after sowing time (the first time sampling), some weeds were controled 100 percent, and all traits were reduced in some others. Two monthes after sowing time (the second sampling time), also all traits of weeds presented under black plastic significantly were reduced. After block plastic, paper was very important in weed control. At bigening of the growth season, transparent plastic caused increases in weed growth, but increasing of temperature under this kind of mulch, during season, weeds were bleached. The effects of wheat straw on weeds control was not significant. Cucumber yield in mulch treatments significantly was increased, so that from 21.25 t/h in control were reached to 57.4, 47.7, and 36.65 t/h in transparent plastic, black plastic and paper, respectively. The results of this experiment showed that using of suitable mulch, by controlling of weeds improved cucumber performance.