Agricultural Mulch Film

The agricultural mulch films are used to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and for aesthetics.They are applied to the soil surface, around trees, paths, flower beds, to prevent soil erosion on slopes.

Although agricultural mulch films can be applied around established plants at any time, they may be applied at various times of the year depending on the purpose. Towards the beginning of the growing season, mulches serve initially to warm the soil by helping it retain heat which is otherwise lost during the night. This allows early seeding and transplanting of certain crops, and encourages faster growth. Mulch acts as an insulator. As the season progresses, mulch stabilizes the soil temperature and moisture, and prevents the growing of weeds from seeds.

In temperate climates, the effects of agricultural mulch films depend upon the time of year in which they are applied. When applied in fall and winter, mulches delay the growth of perennial plants in the spring and prevent growth in winter during warm spells, thus limiting freeze–thaw damage.

The effect of agricultural mulch films upon soil moisture content is complex. Mulch forms a layer between the soil and the atmosphere reducing evaporation. However, mulch can also prevent water from reaching the soil by absorbing or blocking water from light rains and overly thick layers of mulch can reduce oxygen in the soil.

In order to maximise the benefits of agricultural mulch films, while minimizing its negative influences, it is often applied in late spring/early summer when soil temperatures have risen sufficiently, but soil moisture content is still relatively high.