Comparison of different mulching systems in lettuce production

Abstract

Lettuce cultivation requires specific climatic conditions in order for the plant to be able to develop normally and provide with optimal productivity. Lettuce cultivation presents many challenges that can affect the yield and quality of commercial production. Such factors relate to diseases, weed competition as well as the contamination with bacteria that can cause problems to the end consumers. In this way, the cultivation under protected systems in different types of greenhouse structures provides a greater level of protection against pest and diseases because of the optimal temperatures and air humidity but at the same time isolation from the external environment. In open field cultivation, these challenges can be even more persistent as it is more difficult to control external variables that affect directly the inputs to lettuce and the presence of factors that undermine productivity or quality of the product.