Plastic mulch

Certain plastic mulches also act as a barrier to keep methyl bromide, both a powerful fumigant and ozone depleter, in the soil.

Approximately 2,500 square miles (6,500 km2) of agricultural land utilize polyethylene mulch and similar row covers for crop production in the world.

Laying plastic polythene (mulch) down over mounds formed in the soil was also pioneered in New Zealand in the mid fifties by strawberry growers in the Auckland area.

The plastic promoted growth, conserved moisture brought on early fruiting and restricted weed infestation.

The very first machines were designed by growers and built by small engineering/fabrication workshops, usually under the careful guidance and supervision of the farmer.

White mulch reflects heat from the sun, effectively reducing soil temperature.

[5] Plastic mulches reduce the amount of water lost from the soil due to evaporation.

Plastic mulches also aid in evenly distributing moisture to the soil, which reduces plant stress.

[citation needed] Plastic mulches prevent sunlight from reaching the soil which can inhibit most annual and perennial weeds.

The use of drip irrigation in conjunction with plastic mulch allows one to reduce leaching of fertilizers.

[6] The plastic mulch covering the soil decreases the crusting effect of rain and sunlight.

Weed control between beds of plastic can be done using directly applied herbicides and through mechanical means.

The removal of plastic mulch also contributes to a higher cost through additional labor and equipment needed.

[10] Aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters have shown to be promising groups of biodegradable polymers.

These drums can have multiple rows and varied intervals to create the desired spacing for that particular crop.