Ken-Bar products

Many growers and gardeners seek an alternative to plastic mulch that is environmentally friendly and does not require labor for field removal. Planters Paper offers most of the benefits of black plastic film, and it naturally degrades in the soil. Although it does not stretch like plastic, it does have the strength needed for mechanical installation.

Our exclusive formulization, Ken-Bar`s Solar Mulchis a "hybrid" product that provides the best qualities of both clear and black mulches.Solar Mulchoffers the increased soil warming of clear mulch, along with the weed suppression of black mulch. By utilizing a carefully balanced blend of polyethylene with a specific light modifying pigment,Solar Mulchtransmits near infra-red radiation to heat the soil while it simultaneously blocks PAR (photosynthetic active radiation that is responsible for the vigorous weed growth under clear mulch). Therefore,Solar Mulchgenerates almost as much heat as clear mulch and suppresses weeds like black mulch. This is a win-win development for growers.Solaris great for heat loving crops like cantaloupe, watermelon, and other cucurbits. For maximum weed suppression, plastic should be laid soon after tilling the soil.Solar embossed mulchis available in rolls of 4`x4000, 4` x 2400`, 4` x 600` and retail cases of 4`x50. 1.0 mil high density polyethylene.

Black plastic mulch modifies the micro-climate around plants, enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of horticultural crops. Used in experiments and field production since the late 1950`s, black plastic mulch has proven to boost agricultural productivity.

USDA and university researchers have found that red mulch enhances the growth and yield of several vegetable crops, including tomatoes. The color of the mulch changes the intensity of certain wavelengths of light, and the modified light increases plant growth and yields. Trials have shown tomato yields to be as much as 20% higher usingSRM-Redmulch than using black plastic mulch. Results, however, will vary from year to year. Red mulch reflects intensified red light to developing plants, which increases their photosynthetic capacity. Leaf cover is reduced early in the season, so more of the mulch is exposed to light, and more light is reflected to the plants.SRM-Redis a high quality, durable plastic that is 1.0 mil thick and lies well over flat or raised beds. It has season-long integrity and is easily removed from the field after harvest.SRM-RedMulch is available in 4` x 3000` and 4` x 600` rolls.

Low tunnelsare ideal for the early production of many vegetable crops. They are constructed by installing 6-foot wide sheets of either slitted or punched plastic over wire hoops that are spaced about 4-5 feet apart. The cover is pulled taut over the hoops, and the edges of the cover are secured with soil. Generally, the cover is left over the plants for 3-4 weeks. The slits or holes provide daytime ventilation, eliminating the need for manual venting. Low tunnels are generally used in conjunction with black plastic mulch for weed control and enhanced soil warming. Punched covers are warmer than slitted covers and have 3/8` holes positioned 4.5` apart for ventilation. Clear plastic covering that is Un-punched and not slitted is also available.