Multilayer mulch films help improve soil health and protect the crops. Farm workers and farming communities use these thin, recyclable plastic films to control soil-borne diseases and pathogens, enable the fumigants to remain active in the soil by blocking permeation, curb the growth of weeds, and modify soil temperature to boost crop yield.
How do Multilayer Mulch Films Work?
This protective film is used at the onset of the vegetation season to promote farm productivity and health. High quality multilayer mulch film, also called Totally Impermeable Film (TIF), is a trusted solution to regulate the soil’s moisture content, carbon dioxide, humidity and creates the right micro-climate and temperature for the crops.
When the moisture content of the soil is balanced, and the temperature is maintained at the root level, it enhances the microbial activity, creates a barrier against harmful soil pathogens, and even reduces soil erosion. The overall result is an increased and fruitful farm production because the soil is able to utilize maximum essential nutrients for healthy crop growth.
Advantages of Plastic Mulch Film
- Moisture Protection: Multilayer mulching films reduce water fluctuations and evaporation in the soil, while helping regulate root zone humidity.
- Weed Control: Weed germination is better controlled with the use of these films, while the dependence of herbicides is reduced.
- Soil Balance: Mulching films help the retention of vital soil components, such as methyl bromide. This enables the soil to remain compact and healthy, which leads to healthier produce.
- Root Development: When multilayer mulching films are combined with techniques such as drip irrigation, it allows the darkness below the mulch to promote root development towards surface level. Darkness and oxygen generation in the upper soil creates an ideal micro-climate for the development of roots under the mulch.
- Substrate for Fruit & Plants: Multilayer mulch films help prevent direct contact between the fruit and the plant as well as between the fruit and the soil. This helps achieve better fruit quality.
- Fertilizer Preservation: In open fields, multilayer mulch film use can help prevent fertilizer dilution, which could take place in the root zone (particularly in microclimates with high precipitation.)
- Pest Repelling or Attraction: Reflective mulch films repel pests, such as trips and aphids. On the other hand, yellow films attract moths and minimize their adhesion ability.
- Better Plantation Schedules: The use of multilayer mulch films in agriculture is enabling farmers to plan their plantation dates ahead of time. This is possible because the mulch alters soil temperature as needed. The end-result is faster crop growth with a reduced use of resources.
Final Takeaway
Multilayer mulch films are now integral to the agricultural sector. A thin layer of this film can do wonders to improve the productivity of farm workers and farming organizations and communities. The films are recyclable and also provide environmental benefit by way of water conservation and higher farm output with lesser resources.
Infographic created by Schnell Industries, leading the industry in portable transloader solutions