How to Choose Agricultural Film for Silage and Greenhouses

A micron is one millionth of a meter. About 25 microns equal 1 mil.

• Sunlight: UV stabilizers are additives mixed into the film to block ultraviolet light and slow breakdown. Standard polyethylene greenhouse film without additives lasts about 6 to 12 months.
• Agrochemicals: pesticides wear down UV stabilizers and cause early film failure.
• Oxygen (silage): silage ferments without oxygen. Film with low oxygen permeability means less mold and less spoiled feed.

1. Name the job. Use the table above to match film type and thickness.
2. Set the lifespan. Ask your supplier for the rated life in seasons, not a vague “UV resistant” label.
3. Share your spray program. Tell your supplier which agrochemicals you use so the UV package accounts for them.
4. For silage, spec the oxygen barrier. Ask for the oxygen permeability rating.
5. For greenhouses, spec the light. Clear film passes more than 85% of PAR (photosynthetically active radiation, the light plants use to grow). Specialty films diffuse light or hold heat at night.
6. Plan installation and storage. Store rolls out of the sun until install day.

• Buying film by thickness alone. Two films with the same mil rating perform differently without the right UV package.
• Leaving out agrochemical exposure when ordering greenhouse film.

Film is a small line on the budget compared with what sits under the film. Add up spoiled feed, lost crop, and the labor to re-cover a greenhouse early. Compare those losses with the price difference for a longer-life film.

Tell us your crop or feed, your climate, and how long you need the film to last. We will match the spec to the job.

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