This can only be achieved by laying the plastic with a properly adjusted machine. Clear plastic mulch is excellent for transfering heat to the soil but does not control weeds. A new generation of plastic mulch films allows for good weed control together with soil warming that is intermediate between black plastic and clear film. They are more expensive than black or clear films, but appear to be cost-effective where soil warming is important. Research has shown that the use of drip irrigation under black plastic mulch is superior to sprinkler irrigation with black plastic mulch.
Yields usually increase dramatically.
Plastic, spunbonded, and non-woven materials have been developed as crop covers for use as windbreaks, for frost protection, and to enhance yield and earliness. They complement the use of plastic mulch and drip irrigation in many crops. Non-woven or spunbonded polyester and polypropylene, and perforated polyethylene, row covers may be used for 4 to 8 weeks immediately after seeding or transplanting. Covers should be removed when plants begin to flower to allow proper pollination by insects. Row covers increase heat unit accumulation by 2 to 3 times over bare ground.