Not only that, but it retains moisture, which reduces water waste. Plus, there's no wet foliage, which helps prevent disease, therefore reducing use of pesticides. Black plastic mulch can also be used in a raised bed manner, in which the soil and plastic are raised several inches above the ground level to better control temperature and water use. Plastic Rowcovers Wells has also done research on rowcovers for intensive vegetable production. Row covers provide protection against low night temperatures, warm up the air during the day, and also keep out insects.
Damage caused by root maggots or rust fly maggots is eliminated.
Wells has also been instrumental in research on high tunnels . But unlike greenhouses, they don't have a permanent heating system or electrical fans for ventilation. High tunnels will bring tomatoes to maturity 3 to 4 weeks earlier than outdoor tomatoes, where they can obtain prime price in the market. They can also be used for other crops such as pepper, cucumbers, summer squash, melons, herbs, strawberries and cut flowers. After seeing the results of Wells' vegetable trials at the Woodman Farm at UNH, many growers across New Hampshire have adopted the new technologies as well.