Plastic mulch failure: Soil suffocation exposed

Replacing synthetic mulch films with regular shallow cultivation helps maintain soil structure and prevents compaction. While plastic covers are often used to block weeds, they can degrade the growing environment and attract pests, whereas short daily sessions of manual hoeing keep beds clean without compromising soil health. The Risks of Synthetic Mulch Films Using dark synthetic cover films may seem like an efficient way to manage grass weeds, but it often leads to soil degradation. Because these materials block oxygen and inhibit the movement of earthworms, the ground can turn into a dense layer that resists moisture penetration, which subsequently increases the amount of water needed for irrigation. Dmitriy Savelev, entomologist specializing in garden pests: "Under the covering material, an artificial microclimate is created that attracts not only plants but also ants. These insects quickly establish colonies there and distribute aphids to the roots of vegetable crops, which guaranteedly reduces the productivity of the garden."