Tunnel Film are made of clear or white polyethylene are too heavy to float above the crop, so they are supported by hoops. They are commonly used in combination with black plastic mulch for weed
control. Hoop-supported row covers are often called low tunnels. They offer many of the same benefits as floating row covers, but are not permeable to air or water and are more labor-intensive.
Handling and installation Instructions for storage of film: The films must be stored on a smooth surface in horizontal position in an enclosed shade, out of exposure to direct sunlight. Guidelines
for greenhouse structure Metal tubes / Pipes:The metal tubes / pipes must be clean, polished and properly zinc galvanized. The angles & radius of the tubes should be well designedto give uniform
tension across the film. The structure should give enough support so that there is no flapping of the film. Preparations before installation of film It is recommended that slats/locking
channels/grippers made from aluminum are used instead of the ones made from PVC. Enough slats/grippers must be provided to be able to follow the contour of the arches avoiding sharp edges/bends.
They must be tightened so that they do not move against the film.All metal or wooden parts that are in contact with the film must be painted with a white acrylic-based paint. Installation of the
film It is advisable to keep a sample piece of 0.5 m2 or 2 ft2 along with the manufacturer s identification mark.The film should be installed in early hours of morning on mild days when the ambient
temperature is cooler (15-23OC) and there is no wind. When positioning the film it should be tensioned tightly enough so that there is no flapping of film on windy days.Attention should be paid
that proper care is taken so that the film is not damaged or torn during installation especially at the time of stretching across. The ideal method is to place film on the top and unroll along the
length of greenhouse any other method should be avoided. Protection of film White acrylic-based paint must be applied on the film wherever it comes in contact with the construction frame of
greenhouse. If not, the film becomes warmer in the contact areas and is prone to faster degradation.Old structures / Structures have to be taken care specially, as because due to high accumulation
of rust, and it is a well known fact that higher concentration of fe i.e. iron found in rust form, on the film is detrimental for the life of plastic. Ongoing maintenance of filmAny holes or tears
must be repaired immediately with a special adhesive tape (non PVC) designed for application in polyethylene films.Whenever required the film, should be re-stretched between the seasons or after
strong winds so as to maintain the even tension of the film. Ventilation and irrigationThe greenhouse must be suitably aerated, especially in summer season even if it is empty. This is to prevent
overheating of the greenhouse. The area provided for ventilation should be at least 20% of the ground surface.The greenhouse must be irrigated once a week even when there is no cultivation within
so as to maintain the humidity within the structure. A drastic drop in relative humidity has a negative effect on the life of film. Crop Protection Chemicals (CPC)Crop Protection Chemical s based
on Halogens or Sulphur has a catalytic effect on the degradation process of film. Hence any direct contact of CPC s with the film should be avoided. Product Data Sheet: Tunnel Film TF60B- Tunnel
Film TF50C- Tunnel Film TF35
Tunnel Film
