The world’s population has vastly increased in recent years. However, this increase has led to high demand for food. Briefly, In order to cope with the increased food demand we need to improve the efficiency of agriculture. One way of doing this is by mulching. To clarify, Mulching refers to laying materials on the soil to help provide a suitable growing environment for the plants.
Types of mulch
There are generally two types of mulch, i.e., organic mulch and plastic mulch.
Plastic mulch for sale
Plastic mulch for sale utilizes polythene film to shield the plants from the elements hence the use of plastic mulch helps in smothering weeds, reduces water loss, and some types contain methyl bromide, an ozone deplete, in the soil. After covering the bed with film, farmer plants seeds into the holes, later, user should place the plastic mulch after bed preparation is complete. Bed preparation activities include weed removal, fertilizer application, etc. However, the farmer should dig trenches around the bed and bury 3 to 4 inches of the paper mulch to secure it in place. Types of plastic mulch papers are clear mulch, black mulch, silver/ black mulch, photo-selective mulch, and biodegradable mulch.
Transparent mulch
Clear mulch makes use of plastic films with no shade. The transparent film allows light and heat into the soil and retains the heat, warming up the earth. High heat trapped in the ground favors rapid root development. The transparent plastic mulch for sale helps in water retention and soil erosion control. These plastic films allow weeds to grow since they allow light to the soil surface.
Black mulch
Black plastic mulch absorbs and retains warmth during the day, and the heat passes to the soil at points of contact. The advantage of good soil heating is proper root development. At night, the black mulch aids in retaining soil warmth. Since the mulch paper is dark, it doesn’t allow light in, inhibiting the growth of weeds. Also, black plastic mulch helps in frost, soil erosion, and runoff protection. Black paper mulch comes in thicknesses of 0.006 mm to 0.15 mm.
Silver/black mulch
Silver/ black paper mulch composes of one silver side and another black side. When placing the mulch paper, the silver side faces outside while the dark side faces the soil. The black side prevents light from reaching the earth helping in weed control and retaining soil warmth during the night. The silver side reflects the suns’ rays to the plants, increasing the even coloring of the fruits. The shiny side reflects light repelling insects and birds and keeps the ground temperatures low during the day. These types of plastic mulch for sale are suitable for use with melons, bananas, tomatoes, peppers, and leaf vegetables.
Metallic mulch
These types of plastic mulch for sale are composed of polythene sheeting coated with a thin layer of aluminum. The reflective surface wards off insects and assists in keeping the soil temperature low during the day. Insects repelled using this plastic mulch include aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers. The mulch also attracts many beneficial insects to the plants. Plants suitable for this mulch are tomatoes, melons, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and potatoes. It is not advisable to use metallic mulch on potatoes in cool temperatures and on eggplants.
Photo selective plastic films
These types of mulch papers can filter out specific light radiations. They also help in moisture retention, weed control, and soil erosion control. Types of photoselective plastic mulch for sale are:
- Green mulch – they are green in color, and they increase the intensity of green light in the soil. The green color reduces visible light, reducing the photosynthesis of weeds and inhibiting their growth. They are more robust than black mulch and are suitable for ginger, strawberries, melons, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. The use of green mulch on eggplants and tomatoes increases the yields.
- Red mulch – red mulch can reflect infrared light to the plants stimulating the rapid growth and development of the plants. Apart from that, they also help in reducing weed growth and soil moisture retention. They are suitable for use in berries.
Bio-degradable plastic mulch
These types of plastic mulch for sale are made from polymers and are designed to biodegrade into the soil for examples, biodegradable material used in making these plastic mulches are corn starch. Additionally, the use of other plastic mulch leaves plastic waste after its usage. Thus, framers are encouraged to use these types of plastic mulch to reduce pollution. The mulch decomposition rate depends on the materials used, the soil dampness, microbial activity in the soil, and the design.
Plastic mulch for sale at Eunidrip irrigation systems
Eunidrip Irrigation Systems company holds professional staff who can advise farmers on what type of plastic mulch and plants to use on their farms. For instance, our plastic mulch for sale offers an effective way to conserve soil moisture, control weed growth, and raise soil temperatures. The available sizes of black/ silver paper mulch are 23, 30, 60, and 80 microns. To emphasis, we do not recommend using transparent plastic mulch in Kenya due to the high temperatures experienced.
Prices of plastic mulches for sale
| Plastic mulch costs | |
| Size | Price /m2 |
| 30 microns | KES 18 |
| 60 microns | KES 30 |
| 80 microns | KES 43 |
The choice of size of plastic mulch for sale to use depends on the farmer’s budget, the number of seasons, and the crop location.
Drip irrigation and plastic mulch
Drip irrigation is a precision irrigation method that helps conserve water hence, use of drip irrigation utilizes up to 95% of the water applied. specifically, the system uses drip emitters to deliver the water to the crops’ root zone, maximizing water use. The emitters are sensitive to dirt particles; hence a water filter is necessary. Advantages of using this method of irrigation are:
- Reduced water loss – there are few water losses to the environment.
- Controlled weed growth – water is delivered only at the root zone, limiting weeds’ growth.
- Energy-saving – reduced water usage means reduced pumping costs.
- Water-saving – this method is efficient enabling water saving
- Efficient fertilizer use – the system only delivers nutrients to the plants.
Finally, by combining drip irrigation and plastic mulch, a framer can significantly increase the yields on their farm. The two methods help in moisture control and weed growth.
How to lay plastic mulch and drip lines on the farm
The process of laying down plastic mulch involves five basic operations. These are bund making, drip pipe laying, mulch paper laying, soil covering, and hole punching. To illustrate, plastic mulch for sale can be laid manually or using mulch laying machines. However, Manual laying is time-consuming and requires a lot of labor. Hence, the need of mulch laying machines like tractor-drawn which can carry out the five operations quickly. The use of mechanized plastic mulch laying saves on labor costs and time.
Working principle of mulch laying machines
Mulch laying machines carry out the five processes simultaneously as the tractor moves. Firstly Before starting the operation, the paper tip and drip tip are placed under the press wheel and fixed at the end. Secondly, as the tractor moves, the bund-making frame makes the soil bed. Thirdly, the farmer places the drip line under the mulch paper and unwinds the two simultaneously. fourthly, after setting the paper mulch, the hoeing blades cover the edges of the paper mulch with soil securing it in place. Finally, a punching tool makes holes in the plastic mulch paper as the tractor is moves.
FAQ
At Eunidrip, we’re passionate about helping Kenyan farmers succeed. That’s why we not only offer top-notch irrigation systems, but also valuable resources like plastic mulch! To address your questions, we’ve compiled this helpful FAQ:
Plastic mulch is a sheet of material, typically polyethylene, laid between rows of crops. It helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and boost yield.
Kenya’s diverse climate can be challenging for farmers. Plastic mulch helps:
- Reduce water evaporation: This is crucial in dry areas, promoting water conservation and reducing irrigation needs.
- Control weeds: No more backbreaking weeding! Plastic mulch blocks sunlight, hindering weed growth and saving you time and labor.
- Regulate soil temperature: Black mulch absorbs heat, warming the soil for early planting and extending the growing season. White mulch reflects heat, keeping soil cool for heat-sensitive crops.
- Improve fruit quality: By suppressing weeds and preventing soil contact, plastic mulch reduces fruit blemishes and increases yield.
We offer a variety of plastic mulch options to suit your needs:
- Black: Ideal for warming the soil and increasing early crop growth.
- White: Perfect for reflecting heat and protecting heat-sensitive crops.
- Biodegradable: Eco-friendly option that decomposes over time, reducing plastic waste.
- Perforated: Allows some water and air penetration, suitable for heavier soils.
Consider factors like your crop type, climate, soil conditions, and desired outcomes. Our Eunidrip experts are happy to advise you on the best choice for your needs.