Impacts of Silage Tarps on Soil Arthropods, Soil Properties and Crop Yields

Tilling and herbicides are two of many tools that farmers can use to manage weeds, but frequent use of either one can degrade soil health and life. As a result, many farmers are exploring the use of silage tarps as a way to suppress weeds while limiting the need to use tillage. Unfortunately, little is known about the impact of tarping on crop production or on the biodiversity of below-ground soil organisms.

In response, Eva Kinnebrew explored the impacts that using silage tarps may have on weed control, soil arthropod species, physical soil properties and crop yields. Funded by a Northeast SARE Graduate Student Grant, the project offers farmers a clearer understanding of the impacts of this increasingly popular weed management technique.