Prevention of weeds with weed barrier fabric
One isn’t always in charge as one would like to think when dealing with crops. There are different variables within the panorama of the entire agricultural context that can cause one to easily lose all the work invested in a crop. Within this array of possibilities, one could mention poorly controlled plagues, chemical agents that harm the plants, random climatic effects such as abrupt temperature changes or torrential rains, bees or rodents that attack the fruits, etc. One of these unforeseen variables lurking in the shadows threatening the hard focused work in the field or in the greenhouses themselves is the weed problem. This is a problem that a lot of people don’t give much attention to. It may be that the problem can be solved in small isolated areas by removing the weeds by root, but this does not work for large plots or areas of ground since just a bit of weeds that didn’t get removed can, with time, turn into a pile of weeds all over the place. In order to solve this problem of an unforeseen attack or when it gets out of hand, one turns to the chemical (herbicide) solution, risking contamination of the soil. In addition, the use of herbicides or the physical removal of weeds generates unnecessary expenses and it eats up a significant amount of time–time and money that could have been spent in ways to have prevented this kind of problem. In order to avoid fighting with pesky weeds (especially within enclosed areas) there is a viable solution within the reach of everyone: weed barrier or ground cover fabric that also works as a root barrier.
As its name indicates, this fabric fulfills the function of preventing weeds from developing in fields of crops as well as other types of soil use. It does not allow weeds to grow by completely isolating them from sunlight. This eliminates the need for the use of chemical agents and additional labor that is required for dealing with weeds. What also needs to be added to this list is that it prevents the growth and proliferation of parasites.
Perhaps you are thinking that a few weeds are nothing more than a problem of aesthetics and that pulling a few here and a few there will make things more presentable, but nothing could be further from the truth. Weeds continue being a plant and, just the same as the crop’s plants, require water, light, and nutrients for which they will compete against other plants in order to have the maximum benefit for themselves. This in the short or long term brings with it problems for the crop such as plant diseases for nearby plants and possibly plagues.
Its use is straightforward: it should only be placed on ground that you want to protect and it needs to be stretched out and fastened down to the ground in the case of outdoors use. It is recommended that the area first of all be cleared of debris (branches, trash, grass) in order to get the most out of the fabric. This fabric is available in quite a few different sizes. For example, MALAHIERBA® offers the range of sizes necessary for the demands of the client for outdoor use as well as for indoor use for which the fabric is characteristically white. The color of the weed barrier fabric is important since it indicates to the buyer the fabric’s secondary function. It comes in two colors: black and white. The black fabric works for providing more warmth for the crop, useful when cold periods that are dangerous for the crop are approaching. It also avoids the proliferation of alga or similar agents. The white fabric, known by some as weed barrier for greenhouses, is characterized by reflecting the light towards the plants, which lowers the temperature within the greenhouse. When dealing with a greenhouse, take into account the color of the fabric, making sure that it is not black. If you do place a black [sic] weed barrier fabric in a greenhouse, you will have a really hot environment. So don’t do it unless that’s what you’re looking for.
Consider all the advantages that come with using weed barrier fabric for greenhouses or outdoor use:
- It is permeable, allowing water and fertilizer to seep through to the plants
- Thanks to being made from polypropylene, it can be reused due to its incredible durability (between three and five years of useful life).
- Easy handling and installation of the fabric.
- It keeps the leaves away from the soil, which drastically reduces infection by pathogens and fungus.
- Retains the necessary moisture in the plant.
- Resistant to damage from most debris that might cause tears in the fabric.
- Prevents outbreaks of weeds.
- Reduces dramatically the use of herbicides for controlling weeds.
- It is compatible with the installation and use of an irrigation system.
As you can see the weed barrier fabric for greenhouses or outdoors use has an enormous array of advantages that could surely not be obtained by use of herbicides and additional hand labor to deal with weed removal. Furthermore it provides the warmth that is needed by your plants, be it in greenhouses or outdoors. Not to mention the fact that acquiring it is within reach and that installing it is simple and quick. Do not allow weeds to devastate your crop. Combat them with weed barrier fabric for greenhouses (if that’s the case) or with weed barrier fabric for outdoor use and forget about all those other expensive procedures. Choose right now a quality ground cover fabric such as the MALAHIERBA® and prepare yourself to enjoy a healthy, productive crop of excellent quality.
