In research conducted at Penn State by Dr. Bill Lamont, IRT plastic worked well on melons and peppers. These materials should perform well for other heat-loving vegetable crops. IRT films also seem to be a good fit for herbicide-sensitive fruits and vegetables. After the corn presses on the plastic surface or if temperatures become too hot, the plastic is split to allow the plants to emerge above the plastic. Irrigate the field if soil moisture is not adequate prior to laying the plastic.
Mulch layers are available at various widths.
They also can be adapted for raised beds and for the laying of trickle irrigation tubes all in one operation. The reflective action helps in repelling the aphids that attack squash and spread mosaic virus. Thickness usually is 1.5 mils. A common practice is to use wide plastic and plant double rows with the plants staggered on the plastic. Line-source emission is used for row crops.