Editing Plastic mulch (section)

==Benefits==
The use of plastic mulches along with the use of [[drip irrigation]] has many benefits such as:

===Soil temperature===
The use of plastic mulch alters soil temperature. Dark mulches and clear mulches applied to the soil intercept sunlight and warm the soil, allowing earlier planting as well as encouraging faster growth early in the [[growing season]]. White mulch reflects heat from the sun, effectively reducing soil temperature. This reduction in temperature may help establish plants in mid-summer when cooler soil might be required.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://agriplasticscommunity.com/beyond-the-colour-of-mulch-white-black-combination/|title = Beyond the colour of mulch (White/ Black mulch) - Agriplastics Community|date = 31 August 2018}}</ref>

===Soil moisture retention===
Plastic mulches reduce the amount of water lost from the soil due to [[evaporation]]. This means less water will be needed for [[irrigation]]. Plastic mulches also aid in evenly distributing moisture to the soil, which reduces plant stress.{{fact|date=October 2023}}

===Weed management===
Plastic mulches prevent sunlight from reaching the soil which can inhibit most annual and [[perennial]] weeds. Clear plastics prevent weed growth. Holes in the mulch for plants tend to be the only pathway for weeds to grow.

===Reduction in the leaching of fertilizer===
The use of [[drip irrigation]] in conjunction with plastic mulch allows one to reduce leaching of fertilizers. Using drip irrigation eliminates the use of flood and [[furrow irrigation]] that applies large quantities of water to the soil, which in turn tends to leach nitrogen and other nutrients to depths below the root zone. Drip irrigation applies lower amounts of water with fertilizers injected and thus these fertilizers are applied to the root zone as needed. This also reduces the amount of fertilizer needed for adequate plant growth when compared to broadcast fertilization.

===Improved crop quality===
Plastic mulches keep ripening fruits off of the soil. This reduced contact with the soil decreases fruit rot as well as keeps the fruit and vegetables clean. This is beneficial for the production of strawberries, for example.<ref name="Scientia Horticulturae 2019 pp. 602–608">{{cite journal | title=White-striped plastic mulch reduces root-zone temperatures during establishment and increases early season yields of annual winter strawberry | journal=Scientia Horticulturae | volume=243 | date=2019-01-03 | issn=0304-4238 | doi=10.1016/j.scienta.2018.09.018 | pages=602–608 | url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423818306289 | access-date=2022-01-20| last1=Deschamps | first1=Stephen S. | last2=Whitaker | first2=Vance M. | last3=Agehara | first3=Shinsuke | s2cid=91724681 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>

===Reduction in soil compaction===
{{see also|soil compaction (agriculture)}}
The plastic mulch covering the soil decreases the crusting effect of rain and sunlight. The reduction in weed quantity means a decreased need for mechanical cultivation. Weed control between beds of plastic can be done using directly applied [[herbicide]]s and through mechanical means. The soil underneath the plastic mulch stays loose and well aerated, with the mulch protecting the soil it covers from erosion.<ref name="Particulate"/>

===Reduction in root damage===
The use of plastic mulch creates a practically weed-free area around the plant, removing the need for cultivation except between the rows of plastic. Root damage associated with cultivation is therefore eliminated. Due to these factors, the use of plastic mulch can lead to an improvement in the overall growth of the plant.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-18 |title=What Is Mulch? – Important Things You Should Know - The Detail Guys |url=https://www.thedetailguysmd.com/what-is-mulch/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |language=en-US}}</ref>