Ken-Bar Planters Paper Mulch

Planters Paper is an alternative to plastic mulch because of concerns about the environment and the labor requirement for field removal. After several years of development and testing, Planters Paper mulch is now available. It comprises most of the benefits of black plastic film and has other advantages. Although it does not have the stretchability of plastic, it will hug the soil and has strength for mechanical installation.

Planters Paper is degradable. It does not have to be removed from the field at the end of the season. It contains no harmful ingredients and leaves no harmful residues in the soil. However, the paper has a tendency to prematurely degrade along the edges where it is secured with a layer of soil. Due to expansion when wet, and shrinkage when dry, the paper tends to tear along the edges at the soil line. Then the paper is subject to lifting by wind. Therefore, additional soil should be added periodically to the edges to secure the paper.

When Planters Paper is used in limited quantities, the premature degradation can be reduced by weighting the edges of paper with stones, bricks, etc. This method eliminates the soil along the edges. Further advantages of Planters Paper are listed below:

• Crop response similar to that of black plastic mulch.
• Completely degradable -- till or disk in at end of season.
• Good weed control (including nutsedge).
• Soil moisture retention and nutrient conservation -- can be used with drip irrigation.

Technical Specifications

• Planters Paper is available in bulk rolls of 4 ft. x 1500 ft.
• Retail sizes are are available in rolls of 4 ft. x lOO ft. .

Additional Information

Ken-Bar Planters Paper Mulch Installation Tips
Prepare soil well. It should be smooth and pliable
Do not lay paper on dry soil. Beds should be firm.
To prevent tearing, adjust wheels on plastic laying machine so that they do not stretch the paper.
Reduce speed of tractor when laying paper.
Paper should be in close contact with the soil for maximum heat transfer into the soil.
Paper is more fragile than plastic; therefore, when making holes through the paper with a bulb setter, a quick, sharp jab reduces tearing. Also, when the paper is in contact with a firm, flat soil surface, there is less risk of tearing at planting.
Do not walk on the paper
Timing of planting, covering, and cover removal:
Generally, crops may be planted about 10 days earlier than normal when covers are applied at planting.
The covers will remain on warm season crops for about 3 weeks until pollination is needed or until the crop out-grows the space under the cover
For many direct seeded crops, leave the cover on until harvest
Covers may be left on into the Fall and may provide an extra harvest for late season crops