Mulching

Mulching Paper Guide: Benefits, Thickness, Size and How to Lay It

By Pragati Agrotech Technical Team, Nashik · Updated 8 October 2026 · 2 min read

Quick answer

Mulching paper is a plastic film laid over crop beds to block weeds, keep soil moist and maintain an even soil temperature. Choose a thicker, premium film for long-duration or high-value crops, and an economical film for short seasonal crops. Pick the width according to your bed size, and use drip irrigation under the film so water reaches the roots without lifting it.

Benefits of mulching paper

Weed control: light cannot reach the soil, so weeds do not grow under the film.
Water saving: less evaporation, so soil stays moist for longer between irrigations.
Even soil temperature, which helps root growth.
Cleaner produce, because fruits do not touch wet soil.
Less labour for weeding and hoeing.

How to choose the right mulching paper

Choice	What to consider
Quality grade	Premium for long-duration, high-value crops; economic for short seasonal crops.
Width	Should cover the bed top and both sides with enough extra to bury the edges.
Roll length	400 m, 500 m, 600 m and 800 m rolls are available. Longer rolls mean fewer joints.
Colour	Silver-black film: silver side up reflects light, black side down blocks weeds.

How to lay mulching paper: step by step

Prepare raised beds and level the top so the film sits flat.
Lay drip laterals on the bed before the film.
Irrigate lightly so the bed is moist (not muddy).
Lay the film tight along the bed, silver side up, and bury both edges with soil.
Make planting holes at the required plant spacing using a hole maker.
Avoid laying in strong afternoon wind; early morning or evening is easier.

Best crops for mulching

Mulching gives the biggest benefit in vegetables and fruits grown on beds: tomato, chilli, capsicum, watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, strawberry and flowers. Combined with drip irrigation, it helps you save water and labour across the whole season.