The effect of tillage and ground covers on insect pest pressure and yield in vegetable crops

High human population and depletion of land resources put pressure on food production. Regenerative agriculture practices can be essential in promoting best land management practices that aim to improve soil health, food productivity, reduce insect pest pressure and improve ecosystem health. No-till techniques and use of ground cover have been commonly associated with process-based definitions of regenerative agriculture for improved soil health, but the effect of these on foliar insect pests has not been extensively studied. This study investigated the impacts of no-till and ground covers (plastic, straw, and living mulch) on insect pest pressure and yield in tomato and cucumber. The experiment was conducted at the University of Illinois Student Sustainable Farm in Urbana, IL. Insect pest pressure (aphids, whiteflies, potato leafhoppers, thrips, plant bugs, and cucumber beetles) was monitored using yellow sticky cards. Yield was measured as the total marketable weight per treatment. There was no significant effect of treatment on total pest pressure across the season for tomato and no significant effect of treatment on cucumber beetles in cucumber. There was a significant effect of living mulch on marketable yield in both tomatoes and cucumbers. The living mulch outcompeted the cash crop. Living mulch does not seem to be a viable ground cover option in vegetable production. Although we found no effect of tillage on yield or insect pest pressure, this experiment is a long-term field experiment, and the positive effects of no till may be revealed in subsequent years.