What Is Silver Mulch Film?
Silver mulch film is a film made of aluminum powder that is used to cover the rows of vegetables and other crops.
Without silver mulch film, there is a big difference in crop growth, insect and fungal infestation, and weed growth speed. It prevents the soil from drying out and improves moisture retention.
Silver mulch film is an effective means for both the crop and the grower because of its various effects.
Uses of Silver Mulch Film
Silver mulch film is used on crop soils. Its use prevents the soil from drying out and enhances weed and insect control. To achieve these effects, it is important to spread the mulch properly against the ridges.
The width and height of the ridges must be taken into consideration, and the ridges must be covered tightly to prevent them from collapsing. It is also important to secure the mulch with mulch keepers, pins, or other holding devices to prevent it from turning over in the wind. Proper use of silver mulch film will also reduce the amount of work needed while growing the crop.
Types of Silver Mulch Film
Agricultural mulch film is available in several widths (95 cm, 135 cm, 150 cm, 180 cm, and 210 cm), and silver mulch film is no exception. Thickness is also standardized, with 0.02mm to 0.03mm and 200m in length being the most common.
If the thickness is too thin, there is a possibility of tearing. Thick mulch is durable and long-lasting, but it is also heavy, making it difficult to carry around, and it takes time and effort to drill holes in the mulch when planting.
How to Select Silver Mulch Film
Basically, the type and size of the crop to be planted, the planting method, and the width and height of the rows will all change. The width of the mulch to be used will also vary accordingly. For example, a 95cm mulch should be 60cm to 80cm wide, and a 135cm mulch should be 100cm to 120cm wide, so that not only the surface of the ridges but also the sides of the ridges are properly covered.
If the mulch is too wide and falls between the rows, it may be stepped on and torn when people pass by, so care should be taken not to make it too wide. The mulch you choose will vary depending on the season, but silver mulch film is recommended for use on summer crops because of its soil temperature suppression effect.
How to Use Silver Mulch Film
When using silver mulch film, it is important to follow each step of the process carefully: preparation before spreading, spreading, and finishing. Choose a day when there is no wind, as windy days can cause the mulch to fly off.
Before putting up the mulch, till and prepare the ridges, and let the mulch stand for a few days. The key is to make sure the surface of the ridges are even and even. Uneven surfaces can cause the crop to not grow well. Hold the silver mulch film at the starting point of the mulch and temporarily fix it with mulch keepers or pins to prevent it from flying away.
Roll out the roll to prevent air from entering the mulch as much as possible. It is easier to work with the mulch if you pass a stick through the core of the mulch roll and tie a string to each end of the stick you passed through and pull it. The trick is to spread it out so that the center of the mulch and the center of the ridges align as much as possible for a clean finish.
When the silver mulch film is stretched to the end point, pin the silver mulch film up and cut it with a mulcher or cutter. As with the starting point, temporarily secure the mulch with a mulch holder. To prevent the mulch from blowing away in the wind, use soil between the rows with a mulch or a paddle to gather soil on the sides and surface, and hold it down. Be careful not to put too much soil on the surface, as grass may grow from there.
Characteristics of Silver Mulch Film
Advantages
The advantage of silver mulch film is its repellent effect against pests such as aphids, houseflies, and thrips, mainly due to its ability to reflect light. It also relatively suppresses weeds, thus reducing the frequency of mowing and the use of pesticides such as herbicides and insecticides. Another advantage is that it prevents the soil from drying out, thus helping to control the rise in soil temperature during the summer months.
Disadvantages
The disadvantage of silver mulch film is that it is more expensive than other types of mulch. It also reflects light, so sun protection measures such as wearing a hat and sunglasses are necessary to prevent sunburn during the work.
There are also disadvantages in terms of work, such as the time required to clean up after harvest.