What are the advantages of mulch film ?

In gardening, mulch films are plastic films often used to modify soil temperature, prevent moisture growth, limit weed growth and improve crop yield. It is often used for growing fruit and vegetable crops over large areas. In the past three decades, advancements in agricultural science and technology have led to great changes in agricultural production in India. Plastic mulch film has become an important agriculture material.

Types of Mulch films

Two kinds of mulches are available in the market today; Organic and Plastic. Organic mulch films are mostly bio-decomposable and are expensive. They do not serve the purpose very well but if you want to be environmentally friendly it can be used. Whereas, plastic mulches are widely used as it is cheap and serve the purpose very well.

A wide range of plastic films based on different polymers have been introduced in the late 90s. LDPE, HDPE and flexible PVC have all been used and although there were some technical performance differences between them, they were minor. Today the vast majority of plastic mulch is based on LLDPE because it is more economical in use.

Basic properties of mulch film:

Air proof so as not to permit any moisture vapor to escape

Thermal proof for the preservation of temperature and prevention of evaporation

Durable at least for one crop season

Important parameters for mulch films

Thickness: It does not affect mulching much unless the mulch is used for solarisation i.e. to increase soil temperature to control pests. It is beneficial to use a thin film if possible but we should consider the longevity of the film.

Width: This depends upon the inter-row spacing. Normally a one to one and a half meter width film can be easily adapted to different conditions.

Perforations: For the prevention of water stagnation around the plants, perforation is better. Too much perforation can encourage weed growth.

Mulch color: It effects

Black and white mulch film, inhibiting weed production and regulating low temperature.

White mulch film, could solve the problem of serious grass damage.

Silver and black mulch film, mainly functions such as repelling aphids, disease prevention, weeding and water conservation. It is mainly used for disease prevention and heat resistance cultivation of summer and autumn vegetables and melons.

Plastic film mulching was used only for vegetable and flower production for several years, whereas now it is widely used in many cash crops, including peanut, watermelon, sugarcane, and tobacco as well as grain crops such as corn, wheat or rice. 

Advantages of Plastic mulch film

1. It is completely impermeable to water

2. Prevents direct evaporation of moisture from the soil preventing water loss.

3. By evaporation suppression, it prevents the rise of water containing salts.

4. It can reduce the loss of plant nutrients through leaching.

5. Provides artificial barrier to soil pathogens.

6. Mulches maintain a warm temperature even during night-time which 7. enables seeds to germinate quickly and for young plants to rapidly  8. establish a strong root growth system.

9. Better modulation of crops like groundnuts and potatoes.

10. Soil erosion is adverted.

11. Serves longer than organic mulch films.

Mulch films have become an integral part of agriculture practices, especially those which are plastic. It is very important to choose the correct mulch film for your crops. Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Hefei Better Technology Co., Ltd, a prominent manufacturer, supplier of a wide range of products as per BIS standard for use in Agriculture & other sectors. Based in China, this firm has decades of experience in guiding and shipping agriculture products. 

Being a leading farming product supplier won’t only guarantee your confidence but will also go easy on your wallet. Contact Hefei Better Tech the leading Mulch Film manufacturer in China for more information.