
You might have seen plant rows covered with plastic sheets, with only the tips of the plants uncovered. Plantation experts do that for a reason, which has to do with temperature, pests, moisture, and weed growth around the plants. As you read further, you will find the exact reason for that in this blog. The Concept Behind Plants’ Growth Under Plastic It might sound strange to people who are not aware of gardening or farming, but plastic sheets for plants actually work when it comes to targeted treatment. Some conditions are not suitable for plants, and experts have to use unusual ways to affect their growth. Since plants have specific types that require particular conditions, plastic sheets or mulches become helpful. They help farmers regulate heat and moisture levels based on their requirements. They cover the entire rows of plants except their leaves. Only the leaves are uncovered for sunlight, and the rest are under the plastic sheet. What is the Effect of Plastic Sheet’s Color Types on It? Since soil temperature, UV rays, moisture, and weed growth are the most important factors, plastic sheets play a crucial role. Using the right type and color of plastic can affect the plant’s growth. The light absorption level depends on the color of the plastic sheet you use. It is a general concept that dark colors, especially black, absorb heat from UV rays. Likewise, white or light colors reflect UV rays to prevent heat. Therefore, plastic sheets perform differently in different colors. A dark-colored or black plastic sheet absorbs sunlight's heat and keeps the soil warm. This helps plants grow well, which need warm soil. Dark color plastic also prevents weed growth and evaporation, which aids in the proper development of plants. The white or silver color reflects UV rays, cooling the soil. This helps plants that need cool temperatures. White sheets can not prevent weed growth because sunlight reaches the soil through it. Black-and-white or bi-color plastic is suitable for multiple purposes. It blocks sunlight from the outside with a white color and weed growth from the inside with a black color. What are Some Core Benefits of It? There are clear benefits of using plastic sheets or mulches on plant rows. People who live in cold regions use this method to preserve heat in the soil. Since soil is cold all the time, something cheap and simple must be used to trap heat inside it for proper plant growth. When plants are covered with black plastic sheets, the soil becomes warm. This is because the black sheets absorb UV rays, raising the soil's temperature. This helps some specific crops germinate faster. Another benefit is moisture retention, which is possible through plastic sheets on plants. The evaporation level is reduced, and water conservation is improved. Weed growth is one of the biggest challenges in plantations. Farmers prevent weed growth by using plastic sheets or mulches. This prevents UV rays from reaching the soil, and weeds can’t grow because of that. Farmers suppress weed growth to keep the nutrients safe for plants. Just like weeds, pests, and diseases fail to take place. Insects and soil-borne diseases fail to survive inside the trapped heat created by plastic sheets. Are There Any Challenges When Growing Plants Under Plastic? Everything has disadvantages or challenges, and the same is true of plastic sheets. When you use them on plants, there will be some negative impact on some things that you can find below. Since it is not a natural method, plants can not grow the way they usually do. Plastic sheets create an artificial environment, which blocks direct sunlight from some areas of plants, and the photosynthesis process could face hurdles. Since plastic sheets can trap heat in the soil, they are dangerous for plants in extremely hot regions. Using plastic sheets for plants can create stress by overheating the soil. Air circulation also faces challenges because plastic sheets block it. Then mold and fungal growth can take place around the plant. Then, the most common challenge occurs, which is the use of plastic. It can cause problems in the degradation process. Even if you use a biodegradable type, there is no guarantee that it will not take less than a decade to decompose in the soil. Microparticles cause problems for soil and roots upon long-term use of plastic sheets on plants. Rainfall can not reach the plants, and you need to pay extra attention to this. Plastic can block many plants from having direct raindrops. Lastly, plastic could cause drainage problems. Too much water can be trapped inside the soil, and plastic sheets will not let it evaporate, causing root rot. Some Best Practices People Follow When Using Plastic in Gardening Yet, people follow some practices that are the best after the results. It is all about selecting greenhouse films, plastic sheets or mulches and their colors. Choosing a darker color will lead to more heat trapping, moisture retention, and weed prevention. In comparison, a lighter color will allow mild sunlight and evaporation. Different types of plants need different temperatures and climates to grow, and the right selection of plastic sheets will help. Also, proper ventilation techniques will further help you avoid overheating of soil. Conclusion Taking care of plants is not easy. People must use various products, and plastic sheets are one of them. They help cover the plants for heat regulation based on climate type. Likewise, they retain moisture to keep the soil wet for the desired conditions. FAQs 1. Can plants survive under plastic sheets or mulch? Yes, they can survive under plastic sheets and much more. You just have to install them, covering the rest of the area to allow the plants to get optimum sunlight. 2. What is the best type of plastic for plant growth? LDPE, LLDPE, and PE are some of the best types of plastic for plant covering, mulching, and growth. 3. Does plastic sheet or mulch affect plant photosynthesis? Yes, they can reduce sunlight, which can cause inefficiency in the natural process. Darker plastic sheets prevent sunlight from reaching the plant’s larger area, which affects the photosynthesis process. 4. Can plastic mulch be used for all plants? No, it is not suitable for plants in hot regions. They will trap the heat, which could overheat the soil. 5. Is using plastic in gardening environmentally friendly? No, microplastics cause problems like environmental waste. Long-term use can significantly harm plant soil.
