What Is a Greenhouse Plastic Film?
A greenhouse plastic film is a material used for covering agricultural greenhouses, often referred to as “agricultural vinyl.” These films are typically made from synthetic resin, with PVC being a common choice. Greenhouses covered with such films are popularly known as “vinyl greenhouses.”
Uses of Greenhouse Plastic Films
Greenhouse plastic films are primarily used for covering greenhouses to protect crops from various climatic factors, pests, and diseases. They also play a role in temperature regulation and, in some cases, help in controlling carbon dioxide levels for photosynthesis. In regions with snowy winters, these films enable crop cultivation during off-seasons.
Features of Greenhouse Plastic Films
Pros
These films protect from rain, wind, and pests while retaining heat inside the greenhouse. PVC film, commonly used for these films, is noted for its heat-retaining properties.
Cons
Their main drawback is susceptibility to deterioration due to weather and UV rays. To address these issues, materials like polyolefin film for agricultural use and fluoroplastic film with better weather resistance are also used.
Types of Greenhouse Plastic Films
Greenhouse plastic films are generally available in transparent and opaque types.
1. Transparent Greenhouse Plastic Film
This type is effective for increasing internal greenhouse temperatures but may cause overheating and leaf scorch in strong sunlight.
2. Opaque Greenhouse Plastic Film
These films, slightly cloudy due to fine surface scratches, diffuse sunlight, promoting photosynthesis without excessively raising temperatures. They are particularly suited for leafy vegetables.
There are also greenhouse plastic films with a function to suppress the transmission of UV rays to prevent pests such as aphids, which become more active when exposed to ultraviolet rays, and diseases caused by molds.
How to Use Greenhouse Plastic Film
When installing greenhouse plastic films, packers are used to secure the film to house pipes, with wire often securing the roof. Films can cover all sides and the top of the greenhouse or just the top for rain protection. Continuous replacement is necessary due to wear and tear from environmental factors.