Plasticulture systems, the use of polyethylene mulch on raised beds with drip irrigation, are common in the production of many cucurbit crops in the Northeastern US. Plasticulture systems have numerous benefits, but concerns about costs and the environmental impacts of plastic disposal, along with expenses related to system installation, are motivating scientists to find alternatives. To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of alternative systems on cucurbit production, Pennsylvania State University researchers Jason Lilley and Elsa Sánchez, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, and Iowa State University, designed experiments to compare plasticulture and strip tillage systems with and without rowcovers in organically managed experiments.  To read more, click here.