Modern agriculture no longer relies solely on soil, water, and seeds. With the development of technology, farmers now have a variety of agricultural support materials that can help increase productivity, protect crops, and reduce operational costs.
With the right materials, farmers can regulate soil moisture, maintain stable temperatures, protect crops from extreme weather, and create a microclimate that suits the needs of their crops. Some of the most popular materials used are mulch film, spunbond, and greenhouse plastic. Here are the functions of each support material:
- Mulch Plastic
Mulch plastic is a thin plastic used to cover the soil surface in planting areas. It has a variety of functions, including:
- Reducing weed growth.
- Maintaining soil moisture.
- Stabilizing the temperature around plant roots.
- Protecting fruits and vegetables from direct contact with the soil.
- Non-woven (Spunbond)
Spunbond is a polypropylene non-woven fabric that is often used as a plant cover. Its advantages are:
- Able to protect plants from pest attacks and extreme weather.
- It has good air circulation so that plants remain healthy.
- It can be used repeatedly, making it more environmentally friendly.
Spunbond is very suitable for use on horticultural plants such as chili peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, and ornamental plants.
- Greenhouse Plastic
Greenhouse plastic serves as a cover for greenhouse frames to create a microclimate suitable for plants. Its benefits include:
- Protecting plants from heavy rain and strong winds.
- Reducing the risk of disease due to excessive moisture.
- Stabilizing the temperature so that plants can grow optimally throughout the year.
Plastic greenhouses are usually made of UV-stable materials, making them durable and effective at protecting plants from excessive sunlight.
Although they have different functions, the three are interrelated and can provide optimal results when used together. The use of these agricultural support materials not only increases crop yields in terms of quantity but also improves the quality of the products produced—fruits and vegetables are cleaner, more uniform, and have a longer shelf life. This is certainly an added value, especially for farmers targeting modern markets or exports.
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