Plastic mulching in agriculture involves covering the soil surface with a specially engineered plastic film to create an ideal root-zone environment. This simple but powerful practice helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and conserve moisture, making it a core technology in modern horticulture.

When agricultural plastic mulch is combined with drip irrigation, the benefits multiply. Water is delivered directly to the root zone with minimal evaporation losses, fertilisers remain concentrated where plants need them most, and salt buildup on the soil surface is significantly reduced. The result is higher input efficiency, healthier root systems, and improved crop yields across vegetables, fruits, and commercial plantations.

Plastic mulch film used in Indian vegetable farming with drip irrigation and ground cover to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

What is Plastic Mulch Farming?

Plastic mulch farming is an agricultural practice where a plastic mulch film typically made from polyethylene is laid over well-prepared soil beds, with pre-punched holes to allow crop growth. The mulch film acts as a protective barrier between the soil and the external environment, helping farmers better control growing conditions.

Unlike organic mulches such as straw or crop residues, agricultural plastic mulch does not decompose during the crop cycle. Instead, it creates a stable and controlled microclimate by reducing moisture loss, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature. This makes plastic mulching in agriculture especially effective for vegetables, fruits, and commercial horticulture crops.

High-quality plastic mulch films are engineered for specific crop durations. Thin mulch film rolls are typically used for short-duration vegetable crops (3–4 months), while thicker agricultural mulch film rolls are designed to last multiple seasons in orchards and perennial plantations. When sourced from reliable mulch film manufacturers, these films remain intact throughout the crop cycle, ensuring consistent performance and yield protection.

Agricultural plastic mulch film laid on soil beds with pre-punched holes for crop growth

The Top 4 Benefits of Mulching for Modern Farmers

1. Water Conservation (Evaporation Control)

In open-field farming, a significant portion of irrigation water is lost through surface evaporation before it reaches plant roots. Plastic mulch film acts as an impermeable barrier, sealing moisture within the root zone. This allows farmers to reduce irrigation frequency, improve water-use efficiency, and sustain crops in water-scarce regions.

2. Weed Management: The “Zero Light” Rule

Effective weed control depends on the opacity of the mulch film. High-quality plastic mulch films are engineered for zero light transmission, preventing sunlight from reaching the soil. Without light, weed seeds cannot photosynthesize or germinate, eliminating weed pressure without herbicides.

Field Tip:

Perform a simple torch test—shine a light behind the mulch in a dark room. Any visible light indicates poor opacity and potential weed breakthrough.

3. Soil Structure & Root Health

Plastic mulching protects the soil surface from erosion, compaction, and crusting caused by heavy rainfall. By maintaining a loose, aerated soil structure, it promotes strong white root development near the surface—the most nutrient-rich zone. Healthy white roots enhance water and nutrient uptake, forming the foundation of vigorous plant growth.

4. Improved Yield and Output

Plastic mulching directly improves crop yield by creating consistent growing conditions throughout the field. With stable soil moisture, controlled root-zone temperature, and zero competition from weeds, plants experience less stress and utilise water and nutrients more efficiently. This leads to uniform plant growth, earlier maturity, and higher marketable yields, especially in drip-irrigated systems.

The Synergy of Mulching with Drip Irrigation

Plastic mulching delivers maximum results when combined with drip irrigation installed beneath the mulch film. Together, they create a controlled root-zone environment while addressing a critical challenge in agriculture: soil salinity buildup.

In open fields, surface evaporation draws dissolved salts upward, concentrating them near the root zone and increasing stress on the plant. When drip irrigation operates under plastic mulch, evaporation is minimised and water spreads laterally through the soil profile. As moisture moves outward, salts are pushed toward the edges of the raised bed—away from active roots.

This results in a low-salinity, moisture-stable root zone, allowing plants to absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, reduce physiological stress, and maintain consistent growth throughout the crop cycle.

To understand how to choose the right agricultural mulching paper for your crop and farming conditions, read our detailed guide on selecting the right mulching paper.

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