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.

The Thickness Myth

Thickness doesn’t define durability. Lifespan does.

With compostable mulch, thickness is not a durability rating.
It’s selected based on bed height and field conditions, so the film can be laid without overstretching.
What actually defines performance is how long the mulch is designed to last in the field — not how thick it feels.

  • Growers often associate thickness with durability because that logic makes sense with polyethylene mulch.
    Plastic must remain intact until fall removal, so stretching the film during installation is normal — even expected.

    Compostable mulch works differently.

    It is designed to perform for a defined lifespan, then biodegrade in soil — not to be removed.

    With compostable mulch:

    • Thickness is selected based on bed height

    • Field conditions matter (soil texture, stones, moisture)

    • The goal is to lay the film without overstretching it

    • Overstretching reduces lifespan — it does not increase durability

    This is why thickness affects installation, not how long the mulch will last in the field.

    In many cases, short-lifespan compostable mulches are only offered in one formulation and one durability range.
    When lifespan cannot be adjusted, thickness becomes the only variable left to talk about.

    That’s why thickness is sometimes presented as a performance metric —
    even though it doesn’t control field life.

    A thicker film does not turn a short-lifespan compostable mulch into a long-lasting one.
    It may feel more forgiving during installation, but it does not extend durability.

    The right question to ask isn’t “How thick is it?”
    It’s “How long do I need it to last?”

    At FilmOrganic, compostable mulches are designed around target lifespans, with thickness adapted to bed height and field conditions — not the other way around.

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

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