Plastic Mulch Use in Agriculture

Plastic mulch stands as a versatile tool in modern agriculture, easily outperforming traditional mulch and other field-covering solutions. This technology is the preferred choice in many agricultural practices because it provides the following benefits:

  • Improved weed control: Plastic mulch creates a barrier against weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil's surface, reducing the need for manual weeding.
     
  • Superior moisture retention: With the use of plastic mulch, your farm can reduce water loss that occurs through evaporation, allowing for less frequent watering and better nutrient retention.
     
  • Temperature regulation: Because it efficiently warms the soil and accelerates the warming process by up to 5°F, plastic mulch enables early planting and extended growing seasons.

 
Berry Plastic Mulch: The Preferred Field Covering Solution

Vanden Buschhe is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art innovations that support growers seeking efficient agricultural solutions. As an authorized distributor of Berry Plastic Mulch, we take pride in offering their line of premium products to farmers and horticulturists looking to improve the performance and sustainability of their fields.

Explore Berry's product line to find the plastic mulch that fits your field’s needs:

  • Smooth Mulch: Berry's Smooth Mulch offers an affordable solution for effective weed control and water conservation. Its user-friendly design allows for easy application and removal, streamlining the growing process and reducing labor costs.
     
  • Embossed Mulch: Engineered to withstand thermal expansion, Berry's Embossed Mulch utilizes an innovative embossing process to enhance its durability. This plastic mulch resists lifting and remains securely in place throughout the season.
     
  • Extended Life (XL) Mulch: Infused with HALS UV stabilizers, Berry's XL Mulch provides superior resistance against direct sunlight. This prolongs its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering associated labor costs.
     
  • Thermic Mulch: Berry's Thermic Mulch enhances sunlight penetration, allowing radiant heat to reach deeper into the soil. It effectively improves soil warmth, creating an ideal environment for successful early-season growth.
     
  • Blockade™ Mulch: Equipped with state-of-the-art vapor barrier technology, Berry's Blockade™ Mulch maximizes the retention of fumigants near the soil, supporting sustainable practices and safer working environments.

 

Choosing the Right Colour Plastic Mulch: Black vs. White on Black

At Vanden Bussche, we offer two color options from the Berry plastic mulch line. Let's explore their distinctions:

  • Black plastic mulch: This variant excels in weed control, soil warming, moisture retention, and temperature regulation. Its capability to suppress weeds and maintain stable soil temperatures provides an ideal environment for a broad spectrum of crops.
     
  • White on black plastic mulch: While retaining all the benefits of the black variant, it introduces unique seasonal advantages. The white portion of the film keeps the soil cool around plant roots, creating optimal conditions for crops like peas, cabbage, and broccoli. It's a valuable tool for growers seeking an extended growing season.

 

Simplified Farming: Plastic Mulch and Drip Irrigation Boost Efficiency

By utilizing Berry's plastic mulch in conjunction with drip irrigation, your farm gains access to an efficient irrigation method that streamlines the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in open fields. With this system, you can achieve increased crop yields while reducing maintenance efforts, making it a cost-effective and sustainable agricultural solution.

 

Rain-Flo Model 1800 Plastic Mulch Lifter

For farmers seeking efficient post-harvest management of plastic mulch, Van Buscche offers the Rain-Flo Model 1800 Plastic Mulch Lifter. This tool is designed to simplify the process of retrieving plastic mulch from the soil surface. It comes equipped with spring-loaded trash and vine-cutting disks, ensuring that the plastic mulch is lifted effectively without clogging.

 

About Berry Global

Berry Global is a provider of high-performance, climate-engineered plastic mulch films that are designed to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Operating from 40 worldwide innovation centers, their focus is on developing robust solutions that meet the demands of modern farming practices. With a sustained commitment to innovation and customer partnership, the company is consistently an industry leader in durable, user-friendly agricultural products.

 

Looking for alternative mulch options that can streamline your cultivation processes? Connect with the team at Vanden Bussche, to talk about our offerings. For more information and product specifications, check out our catalog.