Plastic mulch is a product used, in a similar fashion to mulch, to suppress weeds and conserve water in crop production and landscaping. Certain plastic mulches also act as a barrier to keep methyl bromide, both a powerful fumigant and ozone depleter, in the soil. Crops grow through slits or holes in the thin plastic sheeting. Plastic mulch is often used in conjunction with drip irrigation. Some research has been done using different colors of mulch to affect crop growth. This method is predominant in large-scale vegetable growing, with millions of acres cultivated under plastic mulch worldwide each year.
Benefits :
1. Earlier planting dates ;
2.Soil moisture retention ;
3. Reduction in the leaching of fertilizer ;
4. Improved crop quality ;
5. Reduction in soil compaction ;
6. Reduction in root damage .
