MULCHING FILMS

Soil Temperature Management

• Mulch applied to the soil intercepts sunlight, warming the soil.
• Enables earlier planting and encourages faster growth early in the season.
• White mulch reflects heat, effectively reducing soil temperature.
• Cooler soil may help establish plants in mid-summer.

Weed Control

• Photosynthesis, essential for plant growth, requires sunlight.
• Plastic mulch blocks sunlight, preventing weeds underneath from growing.
• The film reflects sunlight, enhancing weed control efficiency.

Moisture Conservation

• Preserves soil moisture for several days, extending irrigation intervals.
• Distributes moisture evenly, reducing plant stress.
• Saves water significantly, with savings ranging from 20% to 75%, especially in dry areas.

Reduction in Fertilizer Costs

• Prevents leaching of dissolved fertilizers, keeping nutrients near the root zone.
• Ensures even and timely nutrient distribution, promoting healthy plant growth.
• Improves fertilizer use efficiency to over 95%, saving approximately 50% in fertilizer costs.

Reduction in Root Damage

• Creates a weed-free zone, eliminating the need for inter-cultivation.
• Prevents root damage associated with inter-cultivation.
• Leads to improved overall plant growth.

Pest Control

• Silver plastic mulch repels sucking pests like whiteflies.
• Reduces the impact of soil-borne pathogens.

Soil Microclimate Benefits

• Creates a favorable micro-environment for plant growth.
• Retains soil moisture and alters root-zone temperature.
• Changes the quantity and quality of reflected light, improving plant energy balance.
• Restricts soil water evaporation, enhancing yield.

Precautions for Mulch Laying

• Avoid stretching the film tightly to accommodate expansion and shrinkage.
• Do not lay the film during the hottest part of the day to prevent over-expansion.

Width

• Choose a width of 1 to 1.5 meters, adaptable to inter-row spacing conditions.

Mulch Laying Techniques

1. Lay mulch on a non-windy day.
2. Keep the material tight without creases while laying it on the bed.
3. Anchor the borders (10 cm) by burying them 7–10 cm deep in small furrows at a 45° angle.