Re: Rainbow Growing

Stewart,

Colored ground covers have long been used by greenhouse and hydroponic
growers to increase
yields. The most common color for ground covers has been a bright glossy
white.
The theory goes that since the leaves of plants are photo active on
their underside as well,  that the
plant will benefit from a increase in light levels from their underside
as a result of light reflected off the
white surface and back up toward the leaves.
For giant pumpkin growing, and other drops as well, several
considerations would come to mind that
should be thought through before attempting this.
The chosen cover would need to allow water and nutrients to pass though.
Porous surfaces tend not
to be reflective.
Any surface blocking the light from the soil would remove the natural
UVA UVB UVC light that has
a natural killing action on many microbial plant diseases.
There maybe a temperature price to pay as well, though I would suspect
this would adversely effect the
environment at the early and late part of the season.
I would suggest you continue your research and learn as much as possible
and return here with your findings.
:-)
Others?

Greg Schraiber
Rockford, IL USA


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