Detailed introduction of silver-gray mulch film

I. Material and Structure

Main Material: Made of polyethylene (PE) as the base material, with reflective pigments (such as aluminum powder), anti-aging agents, and insulation agents added and blown into shape.

Characteristics:

Strong Reflectivity: The silver-gray surface reflects ultraviolet and visible light, reducing ground heat absorption and lowering ground temperature.

Thickness: Common thicknesses are 0.006-0.012 mm, selectable according to crop needs.

Service Life: Typically 3-6 months, needs adjustment based on the usage environment and crop cycle.

II. Core Functions

1. Reflective Cooling

Sunlight Reflection: The silver-gray surface can reflect 60%-80% of sunlight, lowering the ground temperature (2-5℃ lower than transparent film), suitable for high-temperature seasons or cool-loving crops.

Reduced Burns: Reflected light evenly illuminates the lower leaves and fruits of crops, avoiding sunburn caused by direct strong light (such as sunburn on watermelon and tomato fruits).

2. Pest Repellent

Repelling Aphids and Thrips: Silver-gray has a repellent effect on aphids, etc. (aphids are sensitive to the silver-gray spectrum), reducing the spread of viral diseases (such as cucumber mosaic virus) and lowering the incidence of pests.

Weed Suppression: The reflective properties weaken the photosynthesis of weeds, suppressing weed growth (more effective than black film, but slightly less than weed-control film).

3. Soil Environment Regulation

Maintaining Soil Moisture: Reduces water evaporation, maintains soil moisture, and lowers irrigation frequency.

Improving Soil Structure: Suppresses soil compaction, promotes root respiration and nutrient absorption.

4. Improving Crop Quality

Promoting Coloring: Reflected light enhances the illumination of the bottom of the fruit, promoting uniform coloring of the fruit (such as grapes and apples).

Improving Taste: The cooling effect is suitable for root and tuber crops (such as radishes and potatoes), avoiding quality degradation caused by high temperatures.

III. Applicable Crops and Scenarios

1. Vegetables

Solanaceous Vegetables: Tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, etc., can lower the temperature in the greenhouse, reduce viral diseases and sunburn, and promote fruit coloring.

Melon Crops: Watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, etc., repel aphids and reduce virus transmission; reflection promotes increased sugar content in fruits.

Leafy Vegetables: Lettuce, celery, etc., cool-loving crops, covering in summer can lower temperature and retain moisture, extending the growing period.

2. Fruits

Grapes: Laying between rows or under racks, reflected light promotes uniform coloring of fruit bunches, improving marketability.

Strawberries: Reduces aphid damage, lowers the humidity conditions for gray mold, and the reflection makes the fruit color brighter.

Fruit Tree Seedlings: Covering in summer can protect seedlings from sunburn and promote root development.

3. Cash Crops

Chinese Herbal Medicines: Such as ginseng and notoginseng, shade-loving crops, using reflective properties to create a semi-shaded environment, avoiding direct strong light.

Flowers: Cut chrysanthemums, lilies, etc., cooling in summer can extend the flowering period and reduce pests and diseases.

IV. Advantages and Disadvantages Comparison

V. Usage Precautions

Laying Time:

Summer Coverage: Best effect in high-temperature seasons (such as May-September); other warming measures are needed in early spring when the temperature is low.

Avoid Covering Too Early: Low temperatures may lead to insufficient ground temperature, affecting crop germination.

Laying Method:

Level Ground: Land preparation needs to be meticulous to avoid soil clods puncturing the film.

Tighten and Compact: The film needs to adhere tightly to the ground, and the edges should be pressed down with soil to prevent wind from blowing it up.

Drip Irrigation Combination: Can be combined with drip irrigation tapes to improve water and fertilizer utilization efficiency.

Maintenance and Recycling:

Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or spray water to clean the dust from the film surface to maintain the reflective effect.

Timely Recycling: After harvesting, the remaining film should be recycled as soon as possible to avoid soil pollution (the film is considered white pollution and needs to be disposed of centrally).

VI. Comparison with Other Films

Summary

Silver-gray film is an ideal choice for high-temperature seasons and pest control needs, especially suitable for Solanaceae, Cucurbitaceae, fruit trees, and cool-season crops. Its reflective, cooling, and pest-repelling properties can significantly improve crop quality and yield, but it should be noted that the cost is higher and cleaning and maintenance are necessary. In practical applications, the type of film can be flexibly selected or used in combination (e.g., silver-gray film + transparent film combination) according to the crop type, season, and cultivation goals to achieve the best results.