Farmacea Compares Clover and Plastic for Strawberry Mulch

By Andi Anderson

In Munith, Michigan, Farmacea is leading a hands-on trial to explore sustainable mulching practices for organic strawberry farming. Co-managed by Mike Lucas and Rollin Baker, the farm is converting former corn fields into productive organic land, emphasizing soil health and sustainability.

Their latest project compares two mulching systems: traditional black plastic and a living mulch of white Dutch clover. The goal is to evaluate which system supports higher strawberry yields, better weed control, and overall healthier soil.

The trial includes six planting beds: three mulched with plastic and three with New Zealand White Clover. Each bed is planted with a consistent mix of strawberry cultivars—Earliglow, Chandler, Allstar, and San Andreas—to ensure fair comparisons.

Despite early setbacks, including weather delays and deer damage, the team has carefully structured the trial. Higher fences were added, and standardized planting ensured a solid foundation for research.

Farmacea is collecting detailed data across the season. They are measuring strawberry yield by weight and marketability, sweetness levels through Brix tests, and weed pressure through regular monitoring. Soil samples are also being analyzed, and visual documentation is ongoing.

Harvests take place twice weekly, and Brix levels are measured at multiple points during the season to capture the full picture of berry quality.

This trial goes beyond just strawberries. It reflects a broader mission to reduce reliance on plastics, improve soil health, and test ecological farming methods. Living mulch could offer benefits like natural weed suppression, better moisture retention, and less manual labor.

By exploring cover cropping as a mulching method, Farmacea aims to create a healthier growing system. Their research will inform future decisions and could help other farms transition to more sustainable methods.

Farmacea’s work is a promising example of how small farms can contribute to sustainable agriculture while supporting their communities with healthier food.