Improved temperature for maize growth using clear polymer film

Clear polymer films (CPF) are used as a supporting technology for maize production in a number of high latitude countries to promote higher soil and air temperatures during the early stages of crop growth. By providing frost protection and promoting early development, crops can be sown earlier and hence mature within the short growing season. A research program is currently underway in Australia to develop a degradable form of CPF suitable for use in broad-acre crop production. This paper reports on findings from a 12 month field trial conducted in southeast Australia into the effect of film on the growing climate under film. Daily temperature increases under the film barrier were strongly influenced by seasonal variations in day length, solar radiation intensity, soil water content and condensation build-up on the underside of the film, and can become supra-optimal for crop growth. Relationships between key ambient and headspace climate variables will be used in ongoing crop physiology studies and for assessing the seasonal and regional suitability of CPF technology.