Weed cover refers to a non-woven fabric that is spread over weeds to stop the vegetative and reproductive growth of the plant’s aerial parts, drastically reduce its photosynthesis, weaken the plant, prevent growth, and even cause soil-borne seeds to lose their viability.
Why is weed cover essential for farmers and growers?
One of the major concerns for farmers in spring is the invasion of weeds with beautiful and fragrant flowers, which can be difficult to control. Especially in fertile areas like northern and northwestern Iran, southern coastal cities, and humid regions, their growth rate exceeds farmers’ management speed. This leads to high variable costs, making the use of weed covers essential.
How does a black weed cover eliminate weeds?
This black weed cover works based on simple physics — black is the only color that absorbs all light spectra and does not allow it to pass through. This reduces photosynthesis and warms the weed cover. It also acts as a barrier to vertical growth. By retaining soil moisture, the main crops grow better than weeds.
Improving soil quality with weed covers
When the weed cover is placed on farm soil, the weed’s activity mechanism changes — sunlight, necessary for photosynthesis, doesn’t reach the plant, thus disrupting synthesis and halting growth. With weed cover, farmers don’t need to purchase herbicides. Chemical fertilizers reduce the number and lifespan of beneficial soil organisms, weakening the soil. Weed cover also prevents water evaporation and transpiration, reducing irrigation frequency during dry seasons. Since water is crucial for plant survival and water scarcity is worsening, this cost-effective cover helps address the water shortage by preventing moisture loss and extending plant survival in dry conditions.
Types of weed covers available in the market
- Organic weed cover: Made from nature-friendly materials, they degrade quickly or are consumed by animals, so they have low durability and require replacement.
- Non-organic weed covers: Available in various types.
- Plastic weed cover: Blocks airflow, which can cause fungus around roots and lead to rot, especially in shallow-rooted crops.
- Yazd Laie fabric weed cover: Offers many advantages over plastic ones. With 10-micron pores, it allows air exchange under the cover, keeping soil and roots safe from fungal diseases.
Advantages of weed cover:
- Maintains soil moisture for longer periods.
- Interrupts photosynthesis by reducing sunlight exposure to weeds.
- Reduces additional variable costs.
- Improves product quality by lowering chemical use and enhancing fruit aroma and flavor.
- Prevents soil erosion caused by heavy rain and machinery.
- Reduces day-night temperature fluctuations on the farm.
How is weed cover supplied to the market?
Weed cover prices vary with raw material costs but are generally economical considering the benefits for soil and crop quality.
Can weed cover be used in greenhouses?
This excellent product is usable wherever plants exist. In greenhouses, it blocks harmful sun rays in summer, preserves thermal energy from the floor in winter, and eliminates weeds all year round. It also prevents sprayers and their operators from entering, reducing the spread of diseases. Furthermore, it eliminates weeds that harbor pests like mites, drastically reducing pesticide and fertilizer use.
In which areas of agriculture is weed cover used?
Weed cover is applicable in all agricultural sectors — oil plant factories, large fruit orchards, and extensive vegetable and melon farms.
Technical specifications of weed cover:
- Material: Polypropylene
- Roll width: Available in 1m, 1.20m, 1.60m up to 7m
- GSM: 60g/m² and 90g/m²
- Roll length: Typically 1000 meters, may vary
How is the required amount of weed cover determined?
The required width and length depend on row spacing, plant type, and the canopy diameter of trees.
Weed cover sales:
Yazd Laie sells weed covers in cash transactions. The minimum sale amount is 500-meter rolls with 1.60m width and 60 GSM. Bulk sales are available for larger demands and custom widths.
How to increase the durability of weed covers:
The more UV stabilizer added and the thicker the cover, the more resistant it becomes to natural and physical damage. Proper use and avoiding sharp tools also significantly increase its lifespan.