The use of plastic mulches along with the use of drip irrigation has many benefits such as:
1. Soil Temperature
The use of plastic mulch alters soil temperature. Dark mulches and
clear mulches applied to the soil intercept sunlight warming the soil allowing
earlier planting as well as encouraging faster growth early in the growing
season. White mulch reflects heat from the sun effectively reducing soil
temperature. This reduction in temperature may help establish plants in
mid-summer when cooler soil might be required.
2. Soil Moisture Retention
Plastic mulches reduce the amount of water lost from the soil due to
evaporation. This means less water will be needed for irrigation. Plastic mulches
also aid in evenly distributing moisture to the soil which reduces plant
stress. Plastic mulching film create a barrier of photosynthesis and avoid to
rise of other plants.
3. Weed Management
Plastic mulches prevent sunlight from reaching the soil which can
inhibit most annual and perennial weeds. Clear plastics prevent weed growth.
Holes in the mulch for plants tend to be the only pathway for weeds to grow.
4. Reduction in the Leaching of Fertilizer
The use of drip irrigation in conjunction with plastic mulch allows
one to reduce leaching of fertilizers. Using drip irrigation eliminates the use
of flood and furrow irrigation that applies large quantities of water to the
soil which in turn tends to leach nitrogen and other nutrients to depths below
the root zone. Drip irrigation applies lower amounts of water with fertilizers
injected and thus these fertilizers are applied to the root zone as needed.
This also reduces the amount of fertilizer needed for adequate plant growth
when compared to broadcast fertilization.
5. Improved Crop Quality
Plastic mulches keep ripening fruits off of the soil. This reduced
contact with the soil decreases fruit rot as well as keeps the fruit and
vegetables clean. This is beneficial for the production of strawberries, for example.
6. Reduction in Soil Compaction
The plastic mulch covering the soil decreases the crusting effect of
rain and sunlight. The reduction in weed quantity means a decreased need for
mechanical cultivation. Weed control between beds of plastic can be done using
directly applied herbicides and through mechanical means. The soil underneath
the plastic mulch stays loose and well aerated. This increases the amount of
oxygen in the soil and aids in microbial activity.
7. Reduction in Root Damage
The use of plastic mulch creates a practically weed free area around
the plant, removing the need for cultivation except between the rows of
plastic. Root damage associated with cultivation is therefore eliminated. Due
to these factors, the use of plastic mulch can lead to an improvement in the
overall growth of the plant.
This is where
we will be ending our discussion for today.
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