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Experiment #
2
Ongoing, Creating Documentation of Results, Initial Results Available
Small-Plot Drought Microclimate Test
We covered re-seeded ground with clear plastic sheeting to create a temporary microclimate — a mini greenhouse over the seed to improve germination and plant establishment.
Clear plastic sheeting creating microclimate over seeded ground at Lapeyrouse Lands innovation farm, moisture condensation visible underneath
Core Question:
Can clear plastic sheeting create enough of a microclimate to improve germination and plant success in drought and clay conditions?
Overview:
Our first seeding was significantly impacted by drought — oats established weakly, rye and wheat failed, clover came in at roughly 10%. We needed a way to get seed to establish without irrigation on new prepared red clay ground.
We decided to test inexpensive clear plastic sheeting as a temporary greenhouse cover over a small section of newly seeded ground. The goal was to determine whether the plastic could retain moisture and create a favorable microclimate long enough to improve germination and early plant establishment.
Current Result Summary:
After approximately three months, the area initially covered with 4-mil clear plastic had a visibly denser stand of KY-31 fescue than the adjacent uncovered ground. The difference remained visible after the plastic was removed and both areas received the same subsequent treatment.
This small trial indicates that temporary clear plastic can materially improve germination and early establishment during dry conditions. The experiment did not determine whether the improvement resulted primarily from moisture retention, temperature changes, reduced evaporation, or a combination of effects.
This experiment is complete. Future trials using different seeds and different times of year will be documented as separate experiments.
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