What Is Low Tunnel Film and Why Is It Used in Agriculture?

Introduction

Climate change, shorter growing seasons, and rising pest threats are just a few of the issues facing modern agriculture. Innovative methods like mulch film roll and low tunnel film are becoming essential tools for farmers worldwide in order to address these problems. These reasonably priced yet effective systems provide protection, prolong the growing season, and support environmentally friendly agricultural methods.

What Is Low Tunnel Film?

Definition and Material Composition

Rows of crops are covered with low tunnel film, a thin, lightweight plastic sheet. This material, which is frequently composed of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), is renowned for its UV resistance, flexibility, and durability. Low tunnel film creates miniature greenhouses by using wire frames or hoops to arch over crops, in contrast to conventional greenhouses.

Structural Use in Agriculture

To cover crop rows, farmers place low tunnel film over plastic or metal hoops. By retaining heat and shielding plants from the elements, the building functions as a tiny greenhouse. This method is frequently employed in the production of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, particularly in regions where yields may be impacted by temperature variations.

Why Farmers Use Low Tunnel Film

Crop Protection from Weather Extremes

Plants are protected from harsh weather conditions like frost, torrential rain, hailstorms, and high winds by low tunnel film. Young seedlings are especially susceptible to harm during the early planting or late harvest seasons, so this is especially helpful. Farmers guarantee the survival and prosperity of temperature-sensitive crops by establishing a regulated microclimate.

Enhances Early Growth and Yield

The warming effect that low tunnel film offers is among its most important advantages. It raises the temperature inside the tunnel by trapping solar radiation, accelerating seed germination and plant growth. Farmers are able to plant earlier in the season and prolong the harvest window as a result, which frequently results in higher yields and quicker returns.

Pest and Disease Control

By acting as a physical barrier, low tunnel film keeps birds, insects, and other pests that harm crops at bay. This makes farming safer for consumers and more environmentally friendly by lowering the need for chemical pesticides and fungicides. Additionally, the tunnel environment minimises moisture fluctuations, which lowers the risk of fungal diseases.

Introduction to Mulch Film Roll

What Is Mulch Film Roll?

A roll of mulch film is a sheet of plastic that is placed directly on top of the soil. It is frequently combined with low tunnel systems. Mulch film, which comes in transparent, silver, black, and biodegradable varieties, aids in controlling soil conditions to maximise crop growth.

Benefits of Using Mulch Film Roll

Mulch film roll offers several advantages:

• Weed Suppression: By blocking sunlight, it prevents weeds from growing, minimizing competition for nutrients.

• Moisture Retention: The film reduces evaporation, helping maintain soil moisture levels for longer.

• Soil Temperature Regulation: It raises soil temperature, which supports seed germination and plant root development.

• Cleaner Produce: Because the fruits and vegetables don't come into contact with the soil directly, they remain clean and less prone to rot.

Using Low Tunnel Film with Mulch Film Roll

The Combined System in Practice

A very effective crop protection and growth system is produced by combining low tunnel film with mulch film rolls. While the tunnel film offers aerial protection, the mulch film preserves ideal soil conditions. They create a barrier above and below the crop line, resulting in plants that are healthier and more fruitful.

When cold temperatures are a concern for crops grown in early spring or late autumn, this combination works especially well. Farmers can create high-quality crops with less environmental stress by layering these films to mimic warmer climates.

Crops That Benefit Most

Low tunnel film systems with mulch film are ideal for:

• Tomatoes: Early planting and reduced disease risk

• Melons: Requires warm soil and protection from pests

• Strawberries: Protection from birds and humidity regulation

• Leafy Greens: Faster growth cycles and reduced soil-borne diseases

Installation Tips and Considerations

Choosing the Right Film Type

Think about things like crop type, climate, and sunlight exposure before making a purchase. To make sure UV-resistant films last the entire growing season, pick ones that are the right thickness, which is typically between 30 and 80 microns. Farmers who care about the environment can also choose biodegradable options.

Maintenance Practices

Proper care of your low tunnel and mulch films ensures longevity and efficiency:

• Ventilation: Open tunnel ends or make side slits to regulate temperature and humidity

• Irrigation: Drip irrigation works best under mulch and tunnel setups

• Storage and Reuse: After use, clean and store the film in a dry place for reuse next season

Best Practices for Maximizing Yield

Soil Preparation

Verify that the field is level and clear of any debris or stones. The correct installation of tunnel systems and mulch depends on a well-prepared soil base.

Timing

Before or at the time of seeding, lay the mulch film down. After the seedlings are established, cover them with the low tunnel film, making sure they have adequate room and support to grow upward.

Monitoring Conditions

Keep an eye out for any tears in the film, indications of pest activity, or condensation inside tunnels. Consistent crop development and continuous protection are guaranteed by timely maintenance.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Sustainability Advantages

Combining low tunnel film and mulch film rolls can limit the use of pesticides, save water, and enhance soil health. Farmers can drastically cut down on plastic waste by using biodegradable alternatives.

Cost-Effectiveness

Low tunnel greenhouses are less expensive and simpler to set up than full-size greenhouses. Particularly for small to mid-sized farms, reusability and higher yields provide an outstanding return on investment.

Conclusion

When combined with mulch film rolls, low tunnel film provides a dynamic, cost-effective, and efficient solution for contemporary agriculture. The need for early or prolonged harvesting, pest threats, and climate variability are all addressed by these technologies. They are changing the way crops are grown in various areas as a sustainable farming method.

Farmers can guarantee a more steady and lucrative farming cycle and support ecologically conscious agriculture by investing in this dual protection system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What crops are best suited for low tunnel film and mulch film roll?

Because they are sensitive to cold and pests, crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and leafy greens do well in these systems.

How long can low tunnel films be used?

Depending on the material and exposure, low tunnel films can be reused for two to three seasons if stored and cared for properly.

Can I use biodegradable mulch film roll with low tunnels?

Indeed. Rolls of biodegradable mulch film roll work well with low tunnel systems and are good for the environment because they break down naturally at the end of the season.

Do low tunnels require irrigation?

Indeed. Since drip irrigation can be set up beneath the mulch layer, it is strongly advised for effective water delivery.

Is low tunnel film effective in all climates?

For optimal results, tunnel films should be chosen according to local weather conditions and crop types, even though they are very effective in temperate and colder climates..

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