decreased fertilizer leaching (Hochmuth, 1988a). The width of the plastic mulch can range from

48 inches to up to 72 inches, depending on the equipment used and type of crop planted. In

regions where plastic mulch is used, a grower may plant a second crop on the same field

following the first crop (generally called doubled cropping), thereby using resources that remain

from the first crop. These resources can include residual chemicals including fertilizer,

insecticide, etc., and plastic mulch.

 "If properly managed, double cropping can allow a grower to produce a second

 crop, with a short turn-around time, with minimum inputs compared to the first

 crop" (Hochmuth, 1992, p. 1).

 When choosing a second crop, a grower may consider a crop that (1) has a short growing

season, (2) requires low input of fertilizers, and (3) is known to do well on plastic (Hochmuth,

1992). However, the choice is often dictated by market demands and price. Recommendations

for a second crop include vine crops such as watermelon, cucumber, pumpkins, and squash

following primary crops such as strawberry, peppers, or tomatoes.

 Cultural practices used in a double cropping system are important. Removal of the first

crop debris, following final harvest of the first crop, is important for reduction of insects and

disease organisms that may be associated with the primary crop. This may be accomplished by

spraying a herbicide chemical to kill the upper portion of the plant or mowing prior to spraying

to enable the chemical to more effectively kill the plant. Some contact herbicides such as

paraquat do not translocate through the plant and kill the root system. In this situation, some

fumigant chemicals can be used to effectively kill the primary crop, including the root system.