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Red plastic mulch is a recent innovation in an effort to maximize reflected light on plant growth. From many studies on the effect of mulch color on plant growth, red has been found to enhance the growth and yield of several vegetable crops, including tomato. It is the color of the mulch that changes the intensity of certain wavelenths of light that in turn has an impact on plant growth and subsequent yields. Tomato yields have been as much as 20% higher with SRM-Red than with black plastic. Results, however, will vary from year to year.
Red mulch reflects intensified red light to the developing plants which increases their photsynthetic capacity. There is more reflectivity early in the season when more of the mulch is exposed to light.
SRM-Red a high quality, durable plastic that is 1.0 mil thick and lays well over flat or raised beds. It has season-long integrity and is easily removed from the field after harvest.
Advantages of SRM-RED:
- Uniform red color for uniform field results.
- Soil warming of 4 to 6 degrees F.
- Almost total weed control.
- Reduction of soil moisture evaporation.
- Improved yields, although there will be variation from year to year.
- Easy to install and durable. Plastic mulch is flexible and stretchable. It will conform to both flat and raised beds. Strong enough for either double cropping in the same season or possibly over two seasons. Easy field removal.
Product Description: SRM - Red Mulch is available in 4'x 3000' and 4'x 600' rolls.
Installation Tips
- Prepare soil well. It should be smooth and pliable.
- Do not lay plastic on dry soil.
- Carefully adjust plastic laying machine.
- Plastic should be in close contact with the soil for maximum heat transfer into the soil.
- Be sure the edges of the plastic are well secured with soil.
Crops that are suited for SRM-Red
- Vegetables -- Tomatoes, pepper, melons
- Small fruits -- strawberries in annual hill system
- Cut flowers (Because of many different species of flowers, on-farm trials should be made.)
References for further information:
- Kasperbauer, M.J. and P.G. Hunt. 1998. Far-red light affects photosynthesis allocation and yield
of tomato over red mulch. Crop Science 38:970-974.
- Plastics website: http://www.plasticulture.org
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