Soil tarping is a weed control method used by innovative farmers across the globe. Strategies used by farmers vary in terms of tarping material, time of application, length of time soil is covered, and the production goal. Solarization is a tarping technique that uses clear greenhouse plastic to harness light and energy from the sun to germinate weed seeds in the soil and exhaust the weed seed bank prior to a growing season. Occultation is another tarping technique that uses opaque tarps to warm the soil and stop light from germinating weed seeds or encouraging plant growth beneath the tarp. Researchers have taken an interest in exploring solarization and occultation impacts on weed suppression and soil health. During the 2023 and 2024 growing season, South Dakota State University soil tarping researchers collaborated with farmers across South Dakota to gain insight in farmer application of tarps. Farmer collaborators in South Dakota were each supplied with three tarp materials: black silage tarp, white silage tarp, and clear greenhouse plastic. Each farmer was told to use the tarp how they saw best fit for their operation. Farmers were given the opportunity to engage in field days and presentations to learn more about soil tarping. Each growing season, farmers worked with a team of researchers to collect data on soil temperature, moisture, and nitrogen. This data was collected through soil samples and HOBO moisture and temperature sensors that logged values hourly. Farmers also provided observations, photos, and dates for tarp removal and application along with comments on how well tarping fit into their system. While research studies can provide important details of tarping impacts on weed suppression and soil health, it is important to showcase the reality of how applicable this technique is for farmers in the real world.
