SRM® Red
Red plastic mulch boosts plant growth by maximizing the light reflected toward them. The effect of mulch color on plant growth has been studied many times, and red mulch has been found to enhance the growth and yield of several vegetable crops, including tomato.
 Red mulch reflects intensified red light to the developing plants, which increases their photosynthetic capacity. More light is reflected early in the season when plant foliage covers less of the mulch, allowing plants to grow more quickly and yield earlier. Tomato yields have increased as much as 20% higher with SRM-Red as compared with black plastic. SRM-Red is a high quality, durable plastic that is 1.0 Mil thick and lies 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 double cropping in the same season or possibly for use over two seasons. Easy field removal.
Product Description: SRM - Red Mulch is available in 4'x 3000' and 4'x 600' rolls. Retail sizes available 4' x 30' and 4' x 100'.
Installation Tips
- Prepare soil well. It should be smooth and friable.
- 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 variation among 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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