Agricultural mulch film, made of polyethylene film, is used in the agricultural industry to cover the soil used for crops, which modifies soil temperature, prevents moisture loss, reduces weed growth, and improves crop yield and precocity. Crops are able to grow through slits or holes in the film, which come in a variety of colors due to the different affects of crop growth with each film color. Drip irrigation is generally used in conjunction with mulch film to water the crop.

There are many benefits to using agricultural mulch film. Agricultural film changes soil temperature allowing earlier planting dates and encouraging faster growth early in the growing season. The film reduces moisture loss from the soil due to evaporation and prevents leaching of fertilizers. Since the agricultural mulch film covers the soil, contact between fruits or vegetables and the soil is reduced, resulting in cleaner produce and decreased fruit rot. Agricultural mulch film also reduces soil compaction, weed growth, and root damage, leading to an improvement in the overall growth of the produce.

Mulch film can also be used as a barrier to keep fumigants – including the highly toxic fumigant, methyl bromide – in the soil, in order to control weeds, fungi and nematodes. Methyl bromide, also known as bromomethane, was a widely used fumigant up until the early 2000s. Although methyl bromide is very effective (mainly used in strawberry, nursery/greenhouse, grape, carrot and almond crops), production and use of methyl bromide is now restricted by the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties.

Not only does methyl bromide cause ozone depletion, but studies have shown that the chemical compound also has serious health risks. Exposure to methyl bromide has been linked to respiratory, kidney, and neurological effects, even death in humans. As of January 1, 2005, methyl bromide was phased out except for critical use exemptions agreed to by the Montreal Protocol Parties. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains these critical exemptions include “lack of availability of methyl bromide for that use would result in a significant market disruption” and “there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives or substitutes available to the user that are acceptable from the standpoint of environment and public health and are suitable to the crops and circumstances of the nomination.”

Even though some agricultural growers feel methyl bromide is expensive and unnecessary, some have urged that it is essential for their crops. In 2007, the EPA revealed about 27,000 tons of methyl bromide was used annually in North America. The United Nations Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee agreed that alternatives to methyl bromide are available, or at an advanced stage of development, and only minimal crop losses are expected after phasing out methyl bromide completely. Some alternatives to methyl bromide include fungicides, soilless potting mixes, high density plantings, compost, steam, and dazomet, a soil pesticide.

PolyPak America manufactures agricultural mulch film made from 100% prime polyethylene. Our DURA-Soft™ (SIF semi- impermeable film)poly mulch film is standard agricultural film, while our POLY-Shield™(VIF – Virtually Impermeable film) agricultural mulch film provides a fumigation barrier – both of our specialty mulch films feature UV absorbers and stabilizers, extending durability and providing a full season of UV protection. Our high strength agricultural plastic films are available in clear, black, black/white, tinted green and multi-layered structures, with a center guide strip available for easy lay down. Our agricultural mulch films are compatible with fumigants, including methyl bromide, commonly used in the strawberry industry.  As the industry moves away from methyl bromide PolyPak America is developing new films (TIF – Totally Impermeable films) to meet the ever changing needs of the grower.