Weed mats have many uses, including forestry, orchards, and small crops, civil and domestic applications as well as landscaping and regeneration projects. It can be stated that total weed control for the first two years is essential. For the first two years weeds control the trees but after three years the trees control the weeds. The tree root system of many is so shallow, requiring a high nutrient and moisture level that any weeds around the root zone are in direct competition with the trees for survival. Many growers are achieving up to 96% tree survival rates in commercial timber plantations and other nursery and regeneration projects
WATER PENETRATION
Weed control mat has a hydrophilic treatment added during manufacture. Hydrophilic treatment breaks down the surface tension of the matting, allowing greater air and moisture penetration through the mat to the soil below. Therefore Weed Gunnel allows more efficient use of water resources as irrigation and rainfall pass easily through the mat. Weed Gunnel reduces moisture evaporation from the soil, allowing valuable water to be retained.
AIR PENETRATION
The aerobic conditions of the soil are maintained, due to the excellent air penetration through the mat. These conditions encourage worm and microbial activity below the mat. As air and moisture pass through the mat you eliminate the problem of fungal growth or collar rot around plant stems and roots that occurs with other types of weed matting.
UV TREATMENT
Weed barrier mat is fully UV stabilized, giving the matting an extended life of up to 3-4 years in full sun conditions or 6-8 years if covered. Unlike some other products, Weed mat has the highest rate of UV treatment, added during manufacture process, this is necessary to combat the harsh Australian UV and climatic conditions.
FERTILISING
Liquid or slow release fertilizer will also pass easily through the mat. If matting is covered with mulch, all nutrients from the break down of the mulch will also leach through to the soil.
EROSION CONTROL
Weed mat creates a physical barrier, which helps to reduce soil erosion and the loss of valuable top soil, due to wind and water runoff. Soil compaction around crops is also reduced as less mechanical weed control is required.
