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Plastic ground cover mulches in high tunnel settings, 2015
The document discusses the benefits of using plastic ground cover mulches in high tunnel farming to enhance crop yield, reduce water usage, and minimize weed interference. It details various types of mulches, their properties, costs, and impact on crop growth, alongside considerations for biodegradable and recyclable options. The author emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate mulch type based on specific crop needs and environmental conditions.
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Plastic ground cover mulches in high tunnel settings, 2015
- 1. Plastic Ground Cover Mulchesin High Tunnel Settings Jerry Untiedt Untiedtâs Vegetable Farm, Inc. Waverly, MN jerry@untiedtswegrowforyou.com
- 2. Plasticulture: âThe Futureof Farmingâ How can you get 2-3x more crop per acre using half as much water as conventional farming methods? NRCS Data Sheet ⢠If the government says it, it must be true ⢠Short history of plastic mulches ⢠Growth pattern of the practice ⢠Where in the world the growth has occurred Plasticulture-Thatâs How!
- 8. Why to consider plastic mulches? â˘$$- Earlier production ⢠$$- Reduction or elimination of weeding ⢠Cleaner Fruit- no soil to fruit contact ⢠More efficient water and fertilizer usages ⢠More effective soil wetting on lighter soils ⢠Control of many soil born disease pathogens ⢠Reduction of soil erosion- water and wind ⢠Possible double and triple cropping
- 9. Polyethylene Mulches: Considerations ⢠Costs â˘Embossed vs. non- embossed ⢠Roll Sizes ⢠Thicknesses of mulches
- 10. Personalities of VariousPlastic Films ⢠Clear Embossed Film â First to arrive on the production scene â Warmest of all mulches â Poor weed barrier â Least expensive â Will present some evaporation ⢠Black Embossed Film â Second to arrive in the industry â Relatively low cost â Excellent in blocking weed growth â Slows evaporation substantially â Does warm soil
- 11. Personalities of VariousPlastic Films ⢠Red Embossed Film â Warms faster than black â Some trials indicate yield increases in tomatoes and peppers â Perhaps glossier fruit? â Cost is about 50% over black
- 12. Personalities of VariousPlastic Films ⢠White on Black â Maintains a cooler soil for cool soil loving crops (lettuces and strawberries) â Excellent reflectivity â Excellent weed barrier â Cost is higher, 30-40% over standard black.
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- 14. Personalities of VariousPlastic Films ⢠Green Embossed Film â Heats soils faster than black and red â Good weed barrier â Said to maintain more heat at night (lower radiation) â Best used on early crops to avoid scalding
- 15. Photo Degradable Embossed Films â˘Black and clear available ⢠Variable degradation time frames ⢠Subsoil film must be brought to surface to degrade ⢠No mfg. guarantees breakdown periods
- 16. Biodegradable Films ⢠Mostlyavailable in black ⢠Leaves no residues or toxicities ⢠Substantial labor savings as no lifting and retrieval ⢠No recycling or landfill dilemma ⢠Newer brand, âBio 360â is both biodegradable and compostable ⢠Bio 360 approved by USDA National Organic Program ⢠Must be tilled into soils to biodegrade
- 17. Groundcover Thoughts ⢠Nota polyethylene film, but necessary in tunnel settings. â Dust preventer â Weed barrier â In case of SWD, allows floor to be cleaned â Costs about $.05/ft
- 18. Final Thoughts ⢠Recyclingvs. Landfills ⢠Growing is generally more enjoyable than selling- BE CAREFUL!
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