How to use Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch in the garden step by step.

What is Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch?

This technological innovation is a biodegradable sheet specifically designed to cover the soil surface in agricultural environments, and acts as a physical barrier that addresses frequent and common problems in all crops, such as water evaporation, the appearance and proliferation of weeds like sedge, thermal and climatic fluctuations, and guarantees balanced, high-quality and very productive planting cycles.

Specific characteristics of Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch.

Made from cellulose fibers and natural adhesives, this Novamulch paper mulch has the unique characteristic of biodegrading completely at the end of each growing period, becoming a rich nutrient that benefits the microbiota and functions as an excellent substrate for our next crops.

Therefore, it leaves no polluting plastic waste and does not require any costly manual or mechanical removal process.

Let’s examine the information presented below:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ES/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R0848

Another of its relevant characteristics is that it is highly resistant to strong winds, rain and localized irrigation, since its structure is 100% permeable and this allows for adequate gas exchange, preserving soil moisture levels in constant equilibrium.

Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch is fully compatible with organic, horticultural and short/medium cycle crops, and allows us to significantly save on our potentially high water consumption costs.

Benefits of Novamulch paper mulch in vegetable gardens and ecological importance.

Novamulch paper mulch has established itself as one of the most effective and sustainable solutions for professional and domestic gardens.

Its biodegradable design, its ability to improve crop performance, and its key role in soil protection position it as the most advanced and sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural plastic. Let’s study.

Its ability to reduce soil water evaporation greatly benefits farmers by minimizing irrigation frequency, especially in Mediterranean regions where droughts and water restrictions are common. By acting as a physical barrier, blocking the light necessary for weed seeds to germinate, it prevents their emergence and significantly reduces competition with our main crops. This also saves on herbicide costs and weeding labor, making it ideal for organic farming.

It is an essential agent for maintaining a more constant temperature in the root zone, preventing excessive temperatures, especially during the summer. This reduces heat stress and promotes more uniform germination and growth, resulting in stronger, more resilient plants.

Let’s analyze the ecological benefits provided by Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch.

One of the most serious problems in modern agriculture is the accumulation of plastic waste, especially the black plastic used in mulching.

Because it is designed under a biodegradable structure and is suitable to integrate naturally into the soil without generating waste or microplastics, it improves its quality, promotes the generation of organic matter, provides carbon of plant origin, and promotes the structural balance of the soil in any environment, whether in open fields, in urban and domestic gardens, on terraces and balconies, and in pots.

Novamulch paper mulch allows for reduced manual labor hours, avoids the costs of removing plastic, minimizes losses due to water stress or weeds, decreases variability in production, and its professional use is associated with increased yield and lower operating costs per hectare in intensive horticultural crops.

How is Novamulch paper mulch used in the vegetable garden?

Its installation is quite simple, and we will now study the correct method so that we can obtain maximum agronomic performance. Let’s begin.

Soil preparation.

Before placing the Novamulch mulch, we will carefully clean the ground, removing medium and large stones, hard plant remains, branches, plastics, metals, buried objects, and level it as best as possible, to avoid air pockets where moisture can accumulate and to ensure that the sheet adheres properly.

This will prevent tears, water accumulation under the sheet, wrinkles that hinder planting, and the paper moving in the wind. We moisten the soil moderately, avoiding waterlogging or insufficient moisture at all times.

It is important to note that properly prepared soil improves paper adhesion and prolongs its useful life during the crop cycle.

Placement of the sheet.

We spread Novamulch along the rows of our garden, gently stretching it to avoid wrinkles. We place the drip tape beneath the paper, in line with the planting row, and secure the ends by adding soil, biodegradable staples, or soft, natural weights. In areas with strong winds, we recommend reinforcing the material every 1.5 to 2 meters or so.

Drilling and planting.

For direct sowing:
we will make small cross-shaped cuts or circular openings of 2 to 3 cm.

For seedlings or saplings:
Make holes of sufficient diameter so that you can insert the seedling without tearing the paper. Avoid excessive cutting in these cases.

For narrow-frame crops:
we can make continuous cutting lines.

Our goal in all cases is to enable optimal crop development without compromising the coverage of the Novamulch paper.

For example, it’s important to define the distance between rows before laying the film. These distances will vary depending on the type of crop. Let’s see.

• For Tomatoes: approximate distance between rows between 80 and 120 cm.
• For the zucchini: 100 to 150 cm.
• For Lettuce: 30 to 40 cm.

Regarding drip irrigation lines, it is recommended to place them below the paper and centered in the rows.

Now let’s study how the soil structure influences the installation of Novamulch.

• In clay soils: they require good leveling and drainage.
• On sandy soils: they facilitate the fixing of the paper, but it is advisable to moisten them beforehand.
• On loamy soils: optimal performance for mulching.

Maintenance during the cycle.

Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch requires very little maintenance. Simply adjust the watering frequency slightly, as the paper will retain more moisture in the soil, and ensure your seedlings grow through the holes properly.

We will check the edges after periods of strong winds or heavy rain, and we must keep the drip lines aligned with the holes in our planting.

End of cycle and biodegradation Novamulch.

As we have already discussed, we do not need to remove the material at the end of the harvest; the paper will fragment and integrate into the soil naturally through the action of microorganisms and moisture, although we can accelerate its integration with surface tillage.

Depending on local climatic conditions and soil type, complete degradation will occur in approximately 3 to 6 months, and in very dry conditions it will occur slowly.

Let’s take a look at the complete catalog of our Novamulch biodegradable paper:

Common mistakes when installing Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch and how to avoid them.

Placing it on excessively dry ground:
This reduces grip and increases the risk of it being lifted by the wind.

Not properly securing the edges of the sheet:
Insufficient securing causes breakage or displacement.

Burying the paper too deep:
Burying it too deep can slow down natural degradation.

Making holes that are too large:
This allows light to enter and weeds to grow.

Compatibility of Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch with different crops.

Our agricultural assistant is suitable for implementation in all orchard crops. Let’s study.

Spring/Summer Crops:

Tomato
Zucchini
Cucumber
Pepper
Melon
Watermelon

Autumn/Winter Crops.

Onion
Garlic
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Lettuce
Cabbage

Crops sensitive to water stress.

Novamulch is especially recommended for:
Melon
Watermelon
Zucchini
Long-cycle tomatoes

Frequently asked questions about using Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch in vegetable gardens.

Is it possible to irrigate by sprinkler?
Yes, but drip irrigation is preferable to maximize water savings.

How long does Novamulch last in the field?
Between 3 and 4 months depending on the climate, humidity, and handling. We are currently developing new, innovative products that will increase the material’s lifespan.

What happens if it rains a lot?
Novamulch is designed to withstand heavy rain without breaking down as long as it is properly secured.

Is it suitable for organic gardens?
Yes, it is biodegradable and suitable for organic farming according to European regulations.

Does it work in clay soils?
It works correctly as long as the surface is properly prepared and adequate drainage is maintained.

Final reflections and conclusions.

Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch is an efficient, sustainable and highly profitable agronomic practice.

It offers numerous benefits, such as water conservation, weed reduction, and the elimination of the high cost of manual weeding and the use of herbicides harmful to our health. Furthermore, we obtain top-quality crops, consistent with sustainability and our ecosystem, while simultaneously enriching the natural environment of our land. This allows us to confidently and successfully plan our future agricultural strategies.

Step by step, we’ve reviewed how to use Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch in your garden, with its easy installation, natural biodegradation, and enriching properties. It’s our best alternative.

So, let’s get to work and good luck!