Mulch has many applications in gardening and landscaping. It helps reduce work and it also allows plants to grow better. Because it is so useful, there are several manufacturers that produce different types of mulch. Some of these are very general and can be used for several purposes. Others have specific characteristics that appeal to specific types of gardeners’ and farmers’ needs or likes.

For example, plastic mulch isn’t a type of mulch that you will find outside of farming areas. It is not very appealing to owners of gardens and flowerbeds, as it doesn’t look aesthetic.

Instead, plastic mulch is very useful in farming, where looks don’t matter but productivity does. Plastic mulch provides several benefits that increase the productivity of an area. Since crop areas are very big, every bit of productivity is increased exponentially. That’s why plastic mulch tends to be used mainly in big scale agriculture, and very often, coupled with drip irrigation.

Plastic mulch, more than other types of mulch, is very good for altering soil temperature. Because it intercepts sunlight, it allows for both earlier planting as well as faster growth. The color of the plastic mulch can also affect the development of the plants. For example, white plastic mulch is much better for reducing temperature since it reflects heat. On the other hand, while dark plastic mulch will absorb more heat and then radiate it to the soil at night, preventing it from being too cold.

Another great advantage of plastic is that it greatly retains moisture. Since it is not permeable, water that evaporates can’t escape, and this means less water for irrigation. In addition, water vapor becomes liquid when they touch the mulch, and it falls again on the soil in an evenly manner, which in turn, reduces plant stress.

Yet another advantage of plastic mulch is that it keeps soil clean. Any object that falls on it can be easily identified and removed. This allows farmers to easily keep the soil free of ripe fruit, leaves, or other matter that falls on the soil, reducing work time and keeping the plants free and clean of objects. This is specially beneficial in some specific types of crops that require extra cleanness, like strawberries.

Finally, plastic mulch reduces root damaging by removing the need of cultivation in most areas, except between the rows of plastic. Since there is no cultivation, there is barely any root damage at all.

Just remember, as with any plastic, when you are done with your plastic mulch, make sure you dispose of it in the proper way, keeping it from becoming garbage or a pollutant.