XL Horticulture have worked with soft fruit growers now for over 25 years. They have listened to what you want, made countless samples and trials, and by analysing your current requirements and products they have developed a new type of film which exceeds the strength and lifetime qualities of every other film on the market.
They were the first to sell diffused film 25 years ago. Their extensive research has shown better growing results with a medium diffusion film than a high diffusion film. This is because on most days there is some cloud cover, which diffuses the light already. By using a lower level of diffusion they can give a higher overall light level. All of their diffused films use the same medium diffusion.
XL were the first to do work on UV open films and have been conducting trials with them since 2003. Normal polythene and glass blocks the UV below about 350 nms but outside the UV goes down to 200 nms. Below 280 it doesnt penetrate the atmoshpere. However what they do know is that the lower levels of UV give a thicker cell wall, and increased disease resitance. They stimulate the root growth of a plant as well as giving a higher brix level, colour and anti oxidant level in the fruit.
They don't have a one-type suits all policy; they know that the same film is not suitable for early, mid-season and late crops, because their requirements are all different. Over the past 25 years they have developed, in conjunction with Growers, Universities and Research Stations tunnel covers with characteristics which meet the criteria required for soft fruit growing in the UK and Northern Europe.
