All About Plastic Agricultural Greenhouse Films – Applications | Usage | Specifications
Greenhouse film is one of the most important agricultural films. This Plastic agricultural film for greenhouse farming is said to be the main support of protective cultivation and protective cultivation is the backbone of modern agriculture by which we are able to fulfil the increasing demand of cereals, grains, vegetables, fruits whatever the season and weather condition is. By this plastic greenhouse film a controlled environment can be provided throughout the year for the growth of plant.
In this article, we will discuss in brief about greenhouse films. We will try to answer some regular question about benefits, types, and applications of agricultural greenhouse film, as well as their impact on the environment.
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What is Greenhouse film?
Greenhouse sheet is a type of agricultural film. This is cover for green house structure made of plastic used as shelter to the plants growing inside of it keeping the environmental balance and protection.
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What is greenhouse and its uses?
Greenhouse is a type of house like or cave like structure covered by glass, polycarbonate or plastic film in which environment is controlled in order to help for the enhancement of the growth of plants inside along with the protection from the outer side hazards.
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What is plastic film greenhouse?
A plastic film greenhouse refers a Greenhouse structure, roofs and sides covered with plastic film made with polyethylene to control the temperature inside to protect the plants inside.
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What is greenhouse film made of?
A greenhouse film is generally made of 6 mil polyethylene mostly. Along with this copolymer plastic, polyvinyl plastic or polycarbonate plastic can be used. Greenhouse plastic are used to be a type of smooth plastic, very lightweight but able to protect the plants. The roof and the sides of the structure used to be covered by this. “Greenhouse film” is a better term of “the plastic used to cover the roof and sides”.
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What does greenhouse film do?
Greenhouse film is a type of cover for green house structure made of plastic used as shelter to the plants growing inside of it keeping the environmental balance and protection. It can suppress the heat by absorbing or reflecting and decrease the power consumption up to 20%. A greenhouse film is able to protect a plant from insects and do a great role in enhancing of flower, vegetable and fruits.
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Is greenhouse plastic safe?
Greenhouse sheet films is generally UV stabilized that it could withstand with all weather and outdoor applications. This is mostly made of virgin polymers. So, this is far better than normal low-cost poly. Some co poly or low-cost poly made greenhouse films are also there available in market. Those low-cost films are good for one season cultivation only.
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Which polythene is used in greenhouse?
Polyethylene (PE) is the main type of polythene that is used to make greenhouse films. This is used widely because of its wide application, waxy texture and synthetic behavior. Moreover, it has some exceptional mechanical & physical properties like tensile strength, resistance, toughness, adaptability, economically and shore hardness.
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What are the ideal microns for greenhouse?
150-200 micron is used to be the best as per thickness for commercial Greenhouse film. A farmer expects a film to be thick enough too stretched over the structure properly and stay strong along with a beautiful transmission of light.
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How long does greenhouse film last?
One to Five years approximately, if you are buying the greenhouse film from a reputed company which is made of virgin polymer granule and UV stabilized material. There are low-cost films are available in market as well which is made for one season crop only.
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What are the different types of greenhouse films?
By the type of polymer granule these film age of 3 types. EVA i.e., Ethylene-vinyl acetate made, PVC i.e., Polyvinyl Chloride made and another is the most known PE, i.e., polyethylene made. By the base of layers’ greenhouse films can be discussed as well.7 layered films are the best. Other than that, by different traits e.g., thickness, transmission, Diffusion, Thermality, Opacity, Reflectance, Anti Drip, Anti Dust, 100% UV Block up to, Shade Factor, UV Life, Color, Width Tolerance, Thickness Tolerance, Sulphur Resistance, Chlorine greenhouse can be segregated by many types. Those are CLEAR, CLEAR +, DIFFUSED, COOL, ROSA, BLUE, CHROMA, ANTHURA, ECLIPSE
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What is a 7 layered greenhouse film?
A 7 layered film is a premium segment of film which is specialized for agriculture and packaging. For 1 mm sq. feet of film, it undergoes within 7 facilities like high-speed extruders, Karl Mayer wrappers, knitting machines and wide Sulzer and circular looms etc. to increase the durability and UV stabilization power. After the production 2 tier of inspection happens usually to make it defect free.
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What are the others greenhouse films stand for?
These are 7 layered greenhouse films.
- Clear – very less diffusion (below 20%)
- Clear Plus – Less diffusion (30-40%)
- Diffused -Medium diffusion (60-70%)
- Cool – high diffusion (80-85%)
These are specialty greenhouse films.
- Rosa – UV Blocking films for rose cultivation.
- Chroma – UV open films for bi colour rose fruits etc.
- Anthura – 15 to 70 % shade (hot area / Nursery / Anthurium/ potted plants)
- Eclipse – Darkening / Black out films (panda films) Black & White or Black
- Grifa -special films for cannabis cultivation
- Photo selective Blue – special films for vegetables, fruits and seedling
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Which is better PE or PVC for greenhouse?
PVC fabric is more durable than PE. As it has higher tear strength it is able to withstand to any difficult or extreme weather condition like heat, wind, ice or rain. Only problem with PVC film is its less transparency. So that it doesn’t allow more natural light like PE inside of the structure. But if you are planning for a long-term PVC is no doubt a good choice.
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What is the most widely used greenhouse film?
Most widely used greenhouse film is known as plastic film. These plastic films are mostly made of PE, i.e., polyethylene. Some other type of greenhouse films is also available which is made of EVA i.e., Ethylene-vinyl acetate and PVC i.e., Polyvinyl Chloride.
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Is greenhouse plastic different than regular plastic?
Greenhouse plastic films are far better than regular plastic films. Greenhouse film is generally UV stabilized that it can withstand with all weather and outdoor applications. This is mostly made of virgin polymers. So, this is far better than normal low-cost regular plastic. In outdoor applications or extreme condition regular plastic is not able to protect and it is usually destroyed.
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What is the longest lasting greenhouse material?
Polycarbonate Greenhouse Plastic. A polycarbonate plastic panel can easily last for 10 years approx. Though these are thicker and more rigid that normal polyethylene plastic films it is enough translucent to pass natural light to the plant.
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Which is better for a greenhouse plastic or polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate Greenhouse Plastic is always better for a good greenhouse cultivation if you have a good budget for it. Polycarbonate is thicker, more rigid and durable. It allows diffusion of light inside the structure which causes a proper distribution of natural light for all plants and it can protect the plants inside by its rigidity. It can easily last for 10 years. But this is costlier than PE or PVC films.
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Can I use plastic wrap for a greenhouse?
Obviously, you can if you are aware of the quality of the plastic. Domestically we use plastic as well in kitchen to control temperature for vegetables. The same physics we apply for the greenhouse cultivation. Here by covering the structure with a good plastic we trap the heat that the temperature inside can be maintained throughout the year. It helps in cultivation and plants to grow.
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What are the properties of greenhouse film?
Some main properties of Greenhouse films are usually anti dripping, anti-fog, anti UV etc. To make it brief:
- Films should have high light transmission and optimum diffusion properties.
- UV, IR, and Thermal stability
- Anti-dust properties to keep clean.
- Anti-drip / fog reduction properties for protection from diseases
- UV blocking and Anti-virus effect.
- IR reaction helps in temperature reduction.
- IR thermic helps to trap heat inside the greenhouse.
- Anti-Sulphur / Chlorine properties provide protection against pesticides.
- Excellent Mechanical strength, tear resistance, flex crack & ESCR increase the life of the film.
- Reduction of viral and fungal attacks
- Reduction of water usage
- Protection from biotic and abiotic stress
- Reduction of pest attacks
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How does greenhouse film work?
Greenhouse films play role in:
Climate control: Greenhouse films are able to create climate for plant growth throughout the year, with regulated temperatures, humidity, and light exposure.
Protection from weather elements: Protection from difficult weather conditions, such as wind, rain, and hail is another point. Frost damage can be controlled by it.
Pest control: Greenhouse films make a barrier to pests, such as insects and rodents, by using no pesticides.
Water conservation: As it prevents direct interaction of sunlight with soil, water evaporation decreases. It makes possible less water and more irrigation.
Energy efficiency: Greenhouse films require less energy to heat and cool than traditional buildings, as they are smaller and have better insulation.
Applications of Greenhouse Films
Greenhouse films are used in a variety of applications, including:
- Commercial agriculture: Greenhouse films are commonly used in commercial agriculture to grow a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They provide an ideal growing environment and help to increase crop yields.
- Research and experimentation: Greenhouse films are used in research and experimentation to study the effects of different growing conditions on plant growth. This allows scientists to develop new crop varieties and improve agricultural practices.
- Home gardening: Greenhouse films are also used by home gardeners to extend the growing season and grow crops that are not typically grown in their region. They are also ideal for growing plants that require specific growing conditions, such as tropical plants.
Greenhouse films have revolutionized agriculture by providing a controlled environment for the growth of plants. They offer several benefits, including climate control, protection from weather elements, pest control, water conservation, and energy efficiency. However, their production, use, and disposal have a significant impact on the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, plastic pollution, and resource depletion.
To minimize the environmental impact of greenhouse films, farmers can use renewable energy, choose eco-friendly films, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. In the future, advancements in technology, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer demands are likely to shape the future of greenhouse films. As we continue to develop new and innovative solutions for agriculture, it will be important to consider the environmental impact of greenhouse films and take steps to reduce their footprint on the planet’s
