Both, black and transparent films are generally used for mulching. Advancement in plastic chemistry has resulted in development of films with optical properties that are ideal for a specific crop in a given location. Horticulturists need to understand the optimum above and below ground environment of a particular crop before the use of plastic mulch. These are two types.

Photo-degradable plastic mulch:

This type of plastic mulch film gets destroyed by sun light in a shorter period.

Bio-degradable plastic mulch:

This typeof plastic mulch film is easily degraded inthe soil over a period of time.

Soil environment can be managed precisely by a proper selection of plastic mulch composition, colour and thickness. Films are available in variety of colours including black,transparent, white, silver, blue red, etc. But the selection of the colour of plastic mulch film depends on specific targets. Generally, the following types of plastic mulch films are used in horticultural crops.

Reflective silver film :

It generally maintains the root-zone temperature cooler.

Transparent film :

It increases the soil temperature and preferably used for solarization.

To apply plastic mulching, a lot of knowhow is required. It depends on the crop, climate, soil, precipitation, and water quality what kind of plastic mulch is used. The colour influences temperature of the soil and airflow around the plants. Deteriorated plastic mulch might be difficult to remove if it has fallen apart in little pieces and is mixed with the soil. In case the mulch film needs to be used for more than one season (thicker film) the plant is cut at its base near the film and the film is removed and reused (for more detailed information please check TNAU n.y.). In the table below, find some general instructions for selecting the correct plastic mulch (TNAU n.y.)