Alexei Volkov
Plastic mulches are an effective way to protect crops and promote growth. They are commonly used in farming and gardening and are available in various colours and thicknesses. Plastic mulches are typically used in conjunction with drip irrigation and are placed over planting beds to increase soil temperature and moisture. The type of plastic mulch used depends on the crop and environmental conditions. For example, transparent polyethylene plastic film is used to increase temperature and provide ventilation, while black plastic mulch is used to prevent weed growth by excluding light. Plastic mulches can be challenging to remove and dispose of at the end of the season, and degradable alternatives are being developed.
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What You'll Learn
Using plastic mulch for weed control
Plastic mulches are an effective method for weed control and are available in various colours, each with its own advantages. Black plastic mulch, for instance, prevents weeds from growing by blocking light from reaching them. Clear plastic mulch, on the other hand, effectively warms the soil but does not prevent weeds from growing underneath. Other colours such as brown and olive plastic mulches are also available and offer varying levels of weed control and soil temperature regulation.
When using plastic mulch for weed control, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, clear the area by cutting grass and weeds, and removing any shrubs or perennial weeds. Next, lay down organic compost on the ground, followed by the plastic mulch. It is important to ensure that the mulch is properly secured to prevent it from blowing away.
For effective weed control, a combination of methods may be necessary. One approach is to use a pre-emergent herbicide before transplanting, which minimises the risk of drift and damage to your crops. If weeds are already present, a contact herbicide such as Gramoxone can be applied as a shielded, directed spray. It is important to note that herbicides should not be applied directly on top of the plastic mulch, as this may harm future plantings.
Additionally, when using plastic mulch, it is important to consider the challenges associated with removal and disposal at the end of the season. Non-degradable plastic mulches must be removed from the field, which can be cumbersome and difficult. Degradable plastic mulches are an alternative but may degrade prematurely during the growing season.
Overall, plastic mulch is a useful tool for weed control when used in conjunction with other methods such as herbicides and compost. By following the steps outlined above and considering the challenges associated with plastic mulch, farmers and gardeners can effectively manage weeds and optimise their crop production.
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How to prepare the planting bed
To prepare a planting bed for plastic mulching, you will need to purchase or construct a mulch-laying machine, as well as equipment to prepare and shape the bed for mulch application. Depending on the size of your operation, you may also need transplanting or seeding equipment.
Before laying the plastic mulch, it is recommended to apply fertilizer and raise ridges with disc hillers for settling. The top of the ridges can then be knocked off with a commercially available bed shaper or a custom shaper built in your farm shop. If the bed is thoroughly settled, you can also use a pre-shaped device mounted on a tool bar ahead of the mulch layer to shape the bed.
When preparing the planting bed, it is important to consider the type of plastic mulch you will be using. Clear plastic mulch is popular for warming the soil, but it can also encourage weed growth underneath. Black plastic mulch is effective in preventing weed growth due to the exclusion of light. You can also find plastic mulches with perforations or slits to allow for moisture and air circulation, which is especially important in locations with high humidity to prevent algae growth and foliage diseases.
The thickness of the plastic mulch will also depend on the manufacturer and intended use. Thicknesses typically range from 0.6 to 2.5 mil, with 6 mil being a common option for greenhouse covers. If you are using drip irrigation, it is recommended to install the drip tube before laying the mulch. The tube can be placed on the soil surface or buried 2 to 3 inches beneath the surface to reduce the chance of damage.
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Using drip irrigation with plastic mulch
Plastic mulches generally come in rolls 3 to 5 feet wide and 2,000 to 2,400 feet in length, and are available in a variety of materials. Clear plastic is popular as it effectively warms the soil, but it can be difficult to control weeds underneath. Black plastic is also a popular option as it prevents weeds from growing by excluding light.
Drip irrigation is recommended for use with plastic mulches. This method saves water and delivers water directly to the soil and plant roots without wetting leaves and stems. It is also superior in reducing moisture stress and reducing plant disease. When using drip irrigation with plastic mulch, one half of the N and K and all of the P should be incorporated at bedding. The remaining N and K should be applied through the drip tube using soluble fertilizers.
The drip line should be placed under the plastic mulch as close to the transplant holes as possible, and it should extend beyond the plastic mulch to facilitate water hookup and shut-off. The tube must be installed prior to the mulch. It is recommended to either apply the drip tube on the soil surface under the mulch or bury it 2 to 3 inches beneath the soil surface. Burial reduces the chance of movement and damage to the tube.
There are some challenges to using plastic mulch with drip irrigation. It can be cumbersome and difficult to remove and dispose of at the end of the season, and it may increase soil erosion and weed growth near the base of plants. Additionally, the frequency of irrigation will depend on soil type and stage of crop growth, and it can be difficult to determine when irrigation is needed as the soil surface may appear moist due to water condensation under the mulch. To address this, it is recommended to use a tensiometer or electronic sensors to monitor soil moisture and determine when to water.
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Removing and disposing of plastic mulch
To effectively remove old mulch, start by loosening it with a leaf rake, clearing it away from your plants. This process prepares your garden for new mulch and prevents adverse effects like root suffocation, poor water penetration, and pest infestation. You should wear gardening gloves for protection and consider renting a roll-off dumpster to handle the bulk of the old mulch. This will make disposal easier and more efficient, keeping your garden clean and ready for new growth. Be sure to rake the old mulch into a wheelbarrow or pile it onto a tarp to facilitate handling.
For larger projects, a yard waste dumpster rental can help manage the bulk of the mulch. High-quality gloves protect your hands from splinters and sharp objects. If you’re dealing with dyed mulch, protective measures are even more critical to avoid skin staining. A sturdy shovel assists in scooping and transferring mulch into disposal containers. Safety should always be a priority when removing mulch.
After removal, the plastic mulch can be transported to municipal solid waste landfills and incineration plants, or recycled for producing secondary PE material. Recycling generates the lowest fossil depletion and photochemical effects. However, incineration produces higher direct GHG emissions than other disposal methods such as recycling or landfilling.
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Choosing the right type of plastic sheeting
Plastic sheeting is an incredibly versatile material with applications across many industries and projects. When choosing the right plastic sheeting for farming, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, the type of plastic sheeting depends on its intended use. For example, clear plastic sheeting is ideal for greenhouses as it allows maximum sunlight to pass through, benefiting plants that require direct sunlight. Clear plastic sheeting is also used for soil solarization, which helps field crops conserve water and encourages growth. On the other hand, white plastic sheeting can diffuse or block light, depending on its thickness, and is suitable for creating softer, more evenly distributed light in a greenhouse. It can also be used as weather protection for barns and silage. Black plastic sheeting, which blocks light and visibility, can be used as a weed barrier and to protect garden soil in the winter. Black/white plastic sheeting combines the benefits of both, with the black side attracting heat and the white side reducing heat buildup.
Secondly, the thickness of the plastic sheeting is crucial for its performance. Thickness is measured in mils, with each mil representing one-thousandth of an inch. For light-duty tasks such as painting or covering furniture, 1-2 mil thickness is suitable. Medium-duty applications like covering equipment during construction would require 3-4 mil thickness. For heavy-duty tasks such as moisture barriers and greenhouse covers, a popular choice is 6 mil thickness.
Other factors to consider when choosing plastic sheeting include UV protection, durability, environmental impact, and recyclability. For instance, plastic sheeting exposed to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and chemicals may degrade over time, so UV-protected sheeting is necessary to withstand sunlight. Additionally, heavy-duty applications such as agricultural tarps require more durable sheeting than lighter-duty tasks. Understanding the environmental impact and recyclability of plastic sheeting can help make more sustainable choices.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic mulch can be used to warm the soil, with research showing that soil temperatures were 8 to 10 degrees higher under clear plastic compared to soil with no plastic mulch. Plastic mulch is also useful for preventing weeds from growing, especially black plastic which excludes light.
A mulch-laying machine is required, as well as equipment to prepare and shape the planting bed for mulch application. Depending on the extent of the operation, specialized transplanting or seeding equipment may also be needed.
A drip irrigation line should be placed under the plastic mulch as close to the transplant holes as possible. A tensiometer is recommended to monitor and determine when to water.
