Plastic mulch is simply an agricultural product used to suppress weeds and preserve water in crop production and landscaping, comparable to mulch. Certain plastic mulches also operate as a barrier to keep methyl bromide in the soil, which is a potent fumigant as well as an ozone depleter. Slits or perforations in thin plastic sheets allow crops to grow. Drip irrigation is frequently utilised in conjunction with plastic mulch. Different colours of mulch have been used in studies to see how they affect crop development.

Plastic mulch disposal is a hazard to the environment. Plastic mulch that has been used or discarded can be recycled into viable plastic resins for re-use in the plastics manufacturing sector. These approaches, however, are ineffective because of contamination from the plastic's agrochemicals. Other issues include the presence of persistent microplastics in the soil, which can harm soil ecologies such as microorganisms and earthworms.

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Benefits of Using Agricultural Mulch Films:
The use of plastic mulches in conjunction with drip irrigation offers numerous advantages, including:

- Altering the Temperature of the Soil:
The usage of plastic mulch changes the temperature of the soil. Early in the growing season, dark mulches and transparent mulches placed to the soil capture sunlight, warming the soil and allowing for earlier planting and faster development. White mulch effectively reduces soil temperature by reflecting heat from the sun. This drop in temperature may aid plant establishment in the middle of summer, when cooler soil may be necessary.
- Moisture retention capacity of the Soil:
Plastic mulches help to keep water in the soil by reducing evaporation. This means that irrigation will use less water. Plastic mulches also help to distribute moisture uniformly in the soil, reducing plant stress. The plastic mulching sheet blocks photosynthesis and prevents the growth of other plants.

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- Weed management:
Most annual and perennial weeds are inhibited by plastic mulches because they restrict sunlight from reaching the soil. Weeds cannot grow in clear plastic. Weeds prefer to grow exclusively via holes in the mulch meant for plants.
- Reduction in fertilizer leaching:
The use of drip irrigation in combination with plastic mulch can help to decrease fertiliser leaching. Drip irrigation replaces flood and furrow irrigation, which distributes enormous amounts of water to the soil and causes nitrogen and other nutrients to leak to depths below the root zone. Drip irrigation uses less water and injects fertilisers into the root zone, allowing these fertilisers to be applied as needed. When compared to broadcast fertilisation, this also minimises the amount of fertiliser required for adequate plant growth.
- Improved crop quality:
Ripening fruits are kept off the soil by using plastic mulches. Fruit rot is reduced, and the fruit and vegetables are kept clean, thanks to the reduced contact with the soil. This is highly beneficial for the production of strawberries.

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- Reduction in soil compaction:
Soil compaction is reduced because the plastic mulch that covers the soil reduces the crusting effect of rain and sunlight. Because there are fewer weeds, there is less of a need for mechanical cultivation. Directly applied pesticides and mechanical techniques can be used to manage weeds between plastic beds. Underneath the plastic mulch, the soil remains loose and thoroughly aerated. This helps microbial activity by increasing the amount of oxygen in the soil.
- Reduction in root damage:
Plastic mulch surrounds the plant in a virtually weed-free zone, obviating the need for cultivation save in the intervals between the rows of plastic. As a result, root damage caused by cultivation is no longer an issue. The usage of plastic mulch can boost the plant's overall growth as a result of these reasons.