HOW TO INSTALL & USE FILMORGANIC MULCH FILMS

Built for professional growers

FilmOrganic mulch films are made exclusively from biodegradable and compostable bioplastics.
They contain no polyethylene, no oxo-degradable additives, and no fossil-based plastic materials that fragment into microplastics.

Because they behave differently from conventional plastic mulch, proper installation is essential to ensure performance, durability, and peace of mind.

1. BEFORE INSTALLATION — BED PREPARATION (CRITICAL)

Successful installation starts with soil preparation.

  • Soil must be uniform, well-tilled, and level

  • Remove crop residues (corn stalks, roots), rocks, clods, and sharp debris

  • Avoid excessively dry or excessively wet soil

  • A clean, firm bed ensures:

    • Proper film tension

    • Fewer pinholes

    • Longer field durability

Important: Poor bed preparation is the #1 cause of tearing — not the film.

2. ROLL INSTALLATION

Protective packaging

Remove and dispose of protective packaging responsibly.
Packaging is not biodegradable.

Coated films (Series #66, #88, #99)

If the film is coated:

  • The coated side must face UP

  • Installing upside down reduces:

    • UV protection

    • Anti-sticking performance

    • Overall lifespan

Machine setup

  • Place the roll carefully onto the rollers

  • Do not force the roll to avoid damage

  • Start slowly; increase speed once the bed is stable

3. TENSION SETTINGS (VERY IMPORTANT)

Crosswise tension

  • Extend wheels enough to reduce lateral tension

  • Avoid excessive stretching

  • Too much tension may cause the film to slip off rollers

Lengthwise tension

  • Apply enough tension to prevent fluttering

  • Avoid overstretching

  • The film should lay flat — not drum-tight

FilmOrganic films are engineered for durability — not for overstretching.

4. COMMON FIELD ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

Film tearing
→ Soil too wet or uneven
✔ Dry and reshape the bed

Pinholes
→ Soil too dry or cloddy
✔ Till deeper for a smoother surface

Loose film
→ Insufficient longitudinal tension
✔ Increase tension and check cover disks

Random tearing
→ Dirty rollers or soil buildup
✔ Clean rollers regularly

5. DURING THE GROWING SEASON

  • FilmOrganic mulch films behave like traditional mulch during use

  • Use standard drip irrigation underneath

  • Avoid mechanical damage from tools or equipment

  • Select the correct lifespan formulation for your crop and climate

Choosing the right product upfront is key to peace of mind.

6. END OF SEASON — NO PLASTIC REMOVAL REQUIRED (COMPOSTS IN SOIL)

After harvest (fall)

  1. Disk lightly along the bed direction to loosen soil

  2. Remove drip tape

  3. Disk at least twice at 45° angles to ensure proper cutting, soil incorporation, and contact with soil biology

What to expect

  • By the end of the following spring, FilmOrganic films are visibly gone from the soil

  • Full mineralization depends on:

    • Climate

    • Soil biology

    • Moisture levels

FilmOrganic films fully break down in soil — they do not fragment into microplastics.

7. CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS

These guidelines are based on climates with >60% relative humidity, such as:

  • East Coast and West Coast North America

In drier regions (e.g., Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Manitoba):

  • Field performance testing is recommended before full-scale adoption

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FilmOrganic mulch films are not approved for certified organic production.

They are designed for conventional growers seeking to:

  • Eliminate plastic removal

  • Avoid microplastics

  • Improve long-term soil health

NEED HELP?

Our team supports growers across North America and beyond.
We help you:

• Select the right product for your crop
• Adjust installation settings for compostable films
• Ensure a smooth and successful first season

Send an email
info@filmorganic.com

Prefer to talk instead?
📞 Call toll-free: 1-888-754-5156