Mulching is a farming practice that involves covering the soil or ground to create better-growing conditions for plants and crops. Natural materials like leaves, straw, and compost have been used for centuries, but in the past 60 years, synthetic materials like plastic have become popular. Plastic mulch is impervious to water, which prevents direct evaporation and limits water loss and soil erosion.
This is particularly useful for conserving water and preventing salt buildup in areas with high salt content in water resources. Research and field data on the effects of synthetic mulches are readily available, making it a valuable tool for farmers. Compared to other types of mulch, plastic mulch has unique benefits that make it a popular choice among farmers.
Agriculture Mulching Sheets
Types of Agriculture Mulching Sheets
- There are two main types of mulching: organic and inorganic. Organic mulching involves using natural materials like straw, grass, leaves, and sawdust, which decompose easily and provide nutrients to the soil. However, organic mulch needs frequent replacement, attracts insects, and may make poorly drained soil too moist.
- Inorganic mulching involves using materials like plastic films, geotextiles, gravel, and pebbles. Plastic mulch is the most common inorganic mulch and comes in various types, like clear, black, yellow-brown, silver-black, and white-black.
- Each type has specific benefits, like conserving moisture, controlling weeds, and improving color development. Plastic mulch does not decompose easily and can be reused.
Best Mulch Film Types and Basic Features of Film
Different types of plastic films are used for agriculture mulching, including LDPE, HDPE, flexible PVC, and LLDPE. However, polyethylene, particularly LLDPE, is the most commonly used due to its affordability and effectiveness in increasing plant temperatures at night.
The basic properties of mulch film include being air-proof to prevent moisture from escaping, thermal-proof to preserve temperature and prevent evaporation, and durable enough to last for at least one crop season. Farmers should consider these properties when choosing the appropriate mulch film for their crops.
Plastic Mulching Sheets
- Polyethylene film covers the soil around plants in plastic mulching, a popular inorganic mulching method. The crop and farmer must select the plastic matting sheet’s color, size, and thickness for the farmer’s specific needs.
- Plastic covering conserves moisture, controls soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and promotes early crop development. Plastic mulching reduces soil drainage, a major issue in low-rainfall areas. Farmers can cut irrigation costs by saving water.
- In herbicide-free organic farming, plastic mulching sheets limit sunlight to avoid weed growth. Weed control reduces crop-weed rivalry for water and nutrients. In cooler climates, plastic mulching warms soil for early crop growth.
- Plastic mulching covers are durable, unlike organic mulches. Plastic mulching covers last several crop seasons, making them more cost-effective. Preventing soil runoff during heavy rains helps limit soil erosion.
- Plastic mulching covers have drawbacks. Plastic mulching sheets are non-biodegradable and can pollute the ecosystem. The sheets can also hold moisture in the soil, reducing oxygen and affecting root growth. Plastic mulching sheets trap heat, raising soil temps and making some crops unsuitable.
Organic Mulching Sheets
- Organic mulching materials are a sustainable option. Cornstarch, rice husks, jute, bamboo, and other biodegradable elements make these sheets. Organic mulching material decomposes easily in the soil, enriching it. Organic mulching sheets reduce agricultural plastic use, a big pollutant. Organic mulching sheets are a viable option for straw or dry leaves that need frequent replacement.
- Organic mulching sheets avoid weeds, soil erosion, and moisture loss. They protect against soil-borne diseases and bugs, reducing agricultural pesticide use.
- Vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals can use organic mulching.
Parameters of Agriculture Mulching Sheets
The parameters of plastic mulching sheets, such as thickness, width, perforations, and color, play a crucial role in crop yield and soil health. While the thickness of the film may not significantly impact mulching, recent studies suggest that it could influence crop yield. However, thin films should be durable to ensure longevity.
A width of one to one and a half meters can easily fit various inter-row spacing. Perforations may be advantageous to prevent water stagnation but could encourage weed growth. Mulch color affects soil temperature, air temperature, soil salinity, weed flora, and insect control. For instance, black film restricts water movement, while opaque white attracts insects.
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Selection of Best Mulching Sheets
The selection of mulch depends on ecological situations and primary and secondary aspects of mulching. For example, perforated mulch is suitable for rainy seasons, while thicker mulch is ideal for orchards and plantations. A transparent thin film is suitable for soil solarization, and a black film is preferable for weed control and sandy soils. A white film is useful for summer-cropped lands, while a silver color film is ideal for insect repellent. Thinner films are suitable for early germination.
How to Use Agriculture Mulching Sheets
To use agriculture mulching sheets for orchards and fruit trees, clear the area of stones, pebbles, and weeds, till the soil, and apply a little water. Cut the required size of mulch film from the roll and cover the area around the tree, burying the ends in the ground. Semi-circular holes could be made on the film to facilitate water movement. For vegetables, a thin film is used and folded at every one meter along the film’s length.
Round holes are punched in the center for planting, and the mulch film is anchored in the soil and inserted on all sides to keep it in place. Seeds are sown, or saplings are planted directly into the holes. Mulching conserves soil moisture, promotes healthy growth, and reduces weed growth, making it an essential technique in agriculture.
Benefits of Using Agriculture Mulching Sheets
- Plastic mulch is impervious to water, preventing direct soil moisture evaporation and conserving water.
- It suppresses evaporation, which also prevents the rise of water-containing salts.
- Mulching can facilitate fertilizer placement and reduce the loss of plant nutrients through leaching.
- Mulches provide a barrier to soil pathogens, helping to prevent crop diseases.
- Opaque mulches prevent the germination of annual weeds by blocking out light.
- Reflective mulches repel certain insects, reducing pest damage to crops.
- Mulching maintains warm soil temperatures, which helps seeds to germinate quickly and plants to establish a strong root system.
- Plastic mulches play a major role in soil solarisation, which helps control soil-borne diseases and pests.
- Mulching creates a microclimatic environment under the sheet, promoting microbial activity and improving soil health.
- Soil structure is maintained during the cropping period.
- Early germination by up to 2-3 days can be achieved.
- Better nodulation in crops like groundnuts.
- Fewer nematodes in the soil.
- Water erosion is prevented since the soil is completely covered.
- Plastic mulch lasts longer compared to organic mulch.
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Conclusion
Agriculture mulching sheets are an effective way to improve crop yields and reduce water usage. By understanding the different types and best practices for usage, farmers can switch from plastic to organic mulching sheets.
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It is a very useful blog and very important information about Plastic Mulch.
It is a very useful blog and very important information about Mulch.
I like how you mentioned that the soil temperature would provide a proper function by having a proper land-clearing approach. My brother informed me yesterday that he is looking for a land-clearing service that could efficiently provide mulching and excavation for their farming project development. He asked if I had thoughts on the best consultation approach. I appreciate this helpful land-clearing guide article for an effective planning approach.