papermulch-2x50
Many growers over the years have asked for 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 the weighting the edges of paper with stones, bricks, etc. This method eliminates the soil along the edges.