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SRM^® Olive

SRM-Olive is the latest development in plastic mulch technology, offering a hybrid between clear and black mulches. It offers more soil warming than black mulch, while controlling weed growth better than clear mulch. Clear mulch transmits all wavelengths of radiation (light) to the soil. The long wavelengths (infra-red radiation) are converted to heat under the clear film and provide more soil warming than any other mulch color.  However, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) also is transmitted and is responsible for the vigorous weed growth under clear mulch.  Black mulch blocks PAR, so weeds do not grow underneath.  Soil warming occurs as the black mulch absorbs solar radiation and conducts the heat into the soil, but temperatures are lower than under clear mulch.

This is where SRM-Olive comes into the picture. By utilizing a carefully balanced blend of polyethylene with a specific light modifying pigment, SRM Olive transmits near infra-red radiation, and at the same time blocks PAR. Therefore, it simultaneously generates almost as much heat as clear mulch and suppresses weeds like black mulch. This is a win-win development for growers.

Advantages of SRM-OLIVE:

• A tough 1 Mil, plastic mulch film
• Earlier and higher yields than black mulch; melon yields have shown 25% increases in yield
• Soil warming of 8 to l0 degrees F
• Weed control
• Easy field removal at end of season
• Conservation of water and soil nutrients

Product Description: 4'x 2400', 1 mil embossed polyethylene.

Installation Tips

1. Prepare soil well. It should be smooth and friable.
2. Do not lay plastic on dry soil.
3. Carefully adjust plastic laying machine so that the plastic is stretched taut over the soil surface, whether on a flat or raised bed.
4. Be sure the edges of the plastic are well secured with soil.

Crops that are suited for SRM-Olive Mulch

• Vegetables -- Warm season and cool season transplant crops (e.g. melons), and for direct seeded crops that are seeded in hills (e.g. cucumbers and squash).
• Small fruits -- Strawberries in annual hill system
• Cut flowers

Embossed vs. Smooth Mulch

Generally, embossed mulch has greater stretchability than smooth. It is highly recommended for raised beds where the plastic mulch should fit snugly and firmly over the bed.

References for further information:

1. Tarara, Julie M. 2000. Microclimate modification with plastic mulch. HortScience 35(2):169-180.
2. Plastics website: http://www.plasticulture.org

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