Crop Protection Tarping Systems

A crop protection tarping system refers to a protective covering that is placed over crops to shield them from harsh weather conditions like excessive rain, sunlight, wind, or frost. Crop tarps are made of durable, breathable materials like polyethylene that allow airflow while blocking sun or precipitation.

Benefits of Using a Crop Protection Tarping System

Several important benefits come from implementing a crop protection tarping system:

Protect Crops from Weather Damage:

Tarps provide a physical barrier that shields seedlings, young plants, and mature crops from weather events that can bruise or damage delicate foliage and crops. This includes hail, heavy rainstorms, strong winds, and frost.

Regulate Temperature and Moisture:

Tarping systems help control the soil microclimate. They trap heat rising from the earth beneath during the day and retain moisture at night. This maintains optimal soil temperature and humidity for seed germination, root growth, and overall plant health.

Extend Growing Season:

By shielding crops from unfavorable early spring and late fall weather, Tarpaulins UK allows farmers to plant weeks earlier in the spring or later in the fall. This effectively lengthens the overall growing period which can be crucial for certain crops.

Increase Yields:

When crops are protected from damage by weather, Canvas Tarpaulin prevents yield losses from too much rain, wind damage, or frost kill. Healthier, stronger crops are better able to maximize their yield potential. Studies have shown yields can be 5-10% higher with tarping systems.

Tarping Materials

The material used to construct the tarps is an important consideration. It needs to be durable enough to withstand environmental wear but still permit airflow and flexibility:

Polyethylene:

Polyethylene is one of the most common materials for crop tarping systems. The polyethylene tarps are light, resistant to punctures and UV rays, breathable, and affordable. They come in various thicknesses to suit different weather conditions but standard 6mil polyethylene tarps are suitable for most applications.

Carbon Fiber:

Carbon Fiber reinforced tarps are also available but they come at a much higher price point. They are extremely lightweight and strong, making them well-suited to high wind zones or heavy snow loads. However, for average conditions, polyethylene works well and has a more reasonable cost.

Attachment Hardware

Securing the tarps correctly is vital to prevent movement that could damage crops or allow gaps for weather penetration. Durable attachment hardware is needed:

Tie Tapes

Cloth or plastic tapes reinforced with grommets can be tied as needed within tarp interiors to prevent billowing and add stability in open areas.

Zippers

Heavy-duty brass zippers allow tarps to be joined along one edge and then unzipped for partial or full removal access. Only needed for large-scale operations.

Grommets

Thickened metal or plastic reinforcement rings are sewn directly into the tarps approximately every 3 feet around the perimeter. Cables, ropes, and stakes are run through these to anchor the tarps.

Straps/Ropes

Nylon or polypropylene rope or webbing straps with buckles or clips are connected to the grommets to fasten the tarps. Nylon holds up better than polypropylene over time. The ropes should be UV-resistant.

Anchoring System

The anchoring system works to firmly secure the tarps and tension the entire structure. Different solutions are needed depending on soil and wind conditions:

Ground Stakes:

Steel stakes 12"-24" in length with a blunt tip are driven into the soil around and across the perimeter and field to anchor ropes or straps every few feet. Stakes should penetrate 6-8" deep.

Cable Systems:

Used in high wind zones, poles are driven or inserted into the ground around the perimeter. Cables are connected from these perimeter poles to poles inserted within the field. Turnbuckles on the cables allow even tensioning of the entire tarpaulin network.