Agricultural Film: Uses and Application

Imagine walking into a greenhouse where rows of thriving tomatoes and flourishing cannabis plants are all growing in perfect harmony, thanks to the strategic use of Polytarp Products agricultural film. Picture the black-and-white film neatly covering the ground, with the white side reflecting light upward, ensuring every plant gets the sunlight it needs, while the black side blocks out weeds, keeping the soil moist and fertile. This isn't just any ground cover, this is Polytarp's agricultural film in action, designed to optimize growth and boost yields. Whether you're growing vine vegetables or cannabis, our custom agri films provide the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. With over 30 years of experience, Polytarp Products is the trusted partner for growers who demand durable, high-quality ground covers that last through the entire growing season. Dive into this article to see how our agricultural films can turn your greenhouse into a haven for healthy and productive crops.

Selecting the Right Agricultural Film

Selecting the right agricultural film for greenhouse ground cover is crucial for optimizing the growth of vine vegetables (such as cucumbers and tomatoes), cannabis, and other plants. With increasing demand in both the agricultural and horticultural sectors, the choice of ground cover plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and productivity of crops. Polytarp Products, a trusted manufacturer with over 30 years of experience in supplying custom agri films, offers reliable solutions designed to meet the specific needs of greenhouse growers.

Using the Right Properties of Plastic Films for Vine Vegetable and Cannabis Growth in Greenhouses

For greenhouse ground covers to be effective, two fundamental properties are essential: 100% opacity and durability that lasts for a full calendar year, regardless of the film's colour. Co-extruded Black & White polyethylene films, commonly referred to as Black & White Film or “Panda Film”, are the most widely used materials for covering greenhouse floors, especially when growing vine vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. With the legalization of cannabis, the same agricultural film technology used for vegetables has been adapted to meet the growing demands of the cannabis industry.

These plants typically yield an abundant crop for a full year, making it critical that the ground cover lasts longer than the plant's lifecycle, enduring exposure to sunlight without degrading. The inclusion of a UVI (Ultra-Violet Inhibitor) additive in the polyethylene agri film is essential to achieve this durability.

Importance of UVI in Ground Covers and Agricultural Film

The UVI-treated ground cover provides several key benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: Replacing the plastic ground cover before the plant's lifecycle ends is costly and unnecessary if the right film is used from the start.
• Soil Protection: The film protects the soil or growing medium from deteriorating and helps maintain optimal moisture levels.
• Environmental Impact: UVI-treated covers reduce the amount of plastic needed to achieve sufficient plant yields, making them a more sustainable choice.

Choosing a black & white ground cover with a proven UV inhibitor ensures reliable performance and protection for your greenhouse. Since the UVI additive is not visible on the film, it is crucial to work with a manufacturer that guarantees their product's lifespan in writing for at least one full year of usage.

Learn more about our Black & White Ground Covers here

Colour and Opacity: The Right Choice for White and Black Ground Covers and Agricultural Film

Another fundamental principle in selecting the right plastic ground cover is choosing the appropriate colour with 100% opacity. This opacity prevents direct sunlight from evaporating the moisture needed in the soil, keeping it wet and reducing the need for irrigation. The widely used Black & White Panda Film offers distinct advantages:

• White Side Facing Up: The white side reflects light upwards, increasing the amount of light that reaches the plants, promoting consistent growth by ensuring that all parts of the plant receive adequate light. Additionally, the white side prevents overheating in the greenhouse, which is particularly important in warmer climates where excessive heat can stress plants and shorten their lifespan.
• Black Side Facing Down: The black side, being 100% opaque, absorbs light and eliminates competing weed growth that can lead to various plant diseases.

In certain cases, 100% opaque black film is used where more heat retention is needed, particularly for young plant growth in cooler climates. Alternatively, 100% opaque white film is used when greater soil or medium moisture is required, as the black film's heat absorption could cause evaporation.

The objective of any greenhouse ground cover polyethylene film is to last the life of the plant, reflect light, enhance growth, control moisture, and block unwanted sunlight. When selecting a ground cover, it is essential to choose a manufacturer that works closely with growers and distributors, offering custom-made widths and lengths to fit non-uniform greenhouse spaces.

Polytarp Products guarantees 100% opacity, whether black, white, or both, and has a long-proven record of their films lasting at least one full year. With over three decades of experience supplying the greenhouse industry with custom agricultural films, Polytarp has built a reputation for optimal quality and service. Their in-house lab, staffed by certified engineers, rigorously tests the opacity of the film and ensures it contains the necessary Ultra-Light Inhibitor (UVI).

Experienced and sophisticated greenhouse owners, including Master Growers, prefer Polytarp for their ground cover films. As the industry continues to grow rapidly, Polytarp has expanded its capacity with state-of-the-art production equipment to meet increasing demand.

Choosing Polytarp Products means selecting a partner committed to supporting your greenhouse operations with high-quality, durable agricultural films designed for success.

For more information about our agricultural products click the link here.