Now that autumn and winter are coming to the Northern Hemisphere, the use of Clear Floating Multi-row Covers is an interesting alternative to crop protection, at a low cost. It's used primarily in Europe, in different crops, mainly tubers and Brassicas. Farmers are also finding new applications for this cover in crops like strawberries.
Clear Perforated Multi-Row 
Cover is a LDPE-based film with up to 500/m2 diamond patterns perforations (diameter of perforation: 10mm). The floating covers are placed over the crops after planting, covering several rows at the same time. It changes the microclimatic conditions generating windbreak and tunnel effect. The film can be installed only lying over the crop, elevating when it grows and fixing the edges on ridges. No previous structure is needed so the application and removal is very easy and it can be mechanically assisted with a tractor. The cover can be re-used in a second season if the conditions of use and preservation from one year to the next is good.
Clear Floating Covers generate a greenhouse effect, increasing ground and air temperature, depending on the intensity of the radiation and the wind speed. The minimum air temperature is increased 2 or 3ºC. The minimum ground temperature (checked 10 cm in depth) is also increased by about 2ºC.
Floating covers work as a physical barrier against torrential rain or hail, having a windbreak effect. At the same time this type of clear floating covers let rainwater and the application of sprayed treatment. This protection and temperature increment avoid damages caused by low temperatures and accelerates the growth of the crops.
This is translated into an early harvest and more higher and homogeneous crops. And we all know how important it is to be the earliest on the market.
For more information:
Armando Alvarez Group
Javier Pery
+34 950 40 56 20
Jp-exp@armandoalvarez.com