How Tarpaulin is Used in the Agriculture
Tarpaulin fabrics were originally made from tar-coated cotton canvas in the 19th century, hence the name. Modern tarps are manufactured using synthetic materials that are lighter, stronger, and longer-lasting. A properly maintained Heavy Duty Tarpaulin can protect farm resources for 5-10 years or more when used and stored properly.
Common Agricultural Uses of Tarpaulin
Tarpaulin finds many practical uses on farms and agricultural operations. Some of the most widespread applications include:
Protecting crops and seedlings from inclement weather:
Tarps are frequently used to shield young vegetable plants, orchard trees, cereal crops, and specialty crops from heavy precipitation that could damage foliage or saturate the soil. These protective coverings are removed once conditions improve.
Shielding hay, straw and silage:
Tarps help prevent spoilage of these stored forage crops by blocking moisture ingress. Mold growth is a major cause of nutritional losses in uncovered haystacks and bales over the winter.
Sheltering farm equipment and machinery:
Tarpaulin helps extend the functioning lifespan of tractors, trailers, tools and parts by protecting them from corrosive effects of rain, snow, and sun exposure during periods of non-use or storage.
Covering manure and compost piles:
Tarps trap heat and moisture within active compost heaps while keeping rainwater from leaching nutrients away. This speeds decomposition.
Lining livestock housing:
In barns and sheds, Tarpaulin is used as durable flooring, partition walls, and aisle runners to contain manure and support cleaning. The tough fabric withstands abrasion.
Forming temporary shelters:
Tarps serve as raincatchers and windbreaks when rigged overhead on poles or fence posts to shelter animals or provide staging areas for tasks. Their portability is convenient.
Protecting Crops from Rain and Snow
One of the most critical uses of tarpaulin on farms is protecting young or delicate crops from heavy precipitation that could damage yields. Several covering methods are commonly employed:
Arched tarps:
Bowed poles or cables are erected above row crops and anchored at skirt edges stuck in the soil. This creates a shelter “tunnel” down the length of beds or fields.
Hoop house structures:
Tarps are draped over hoops or rod assemblies to form miniature greenhouses offering frost and rainfall protection for seedlings in open fields.
Tents and lean-tos:
Freestanding tents made of tarps suspended from central poles create sheltered zones for nursery stock and young transplants awaiting planting.
Weighted edges:
Stones, sandbags or rolled tarps hold skirt edges down in strong winds accompanying rain or snowfall. Proper anchoring is essential to prevent flapping/damage.
Creating Temporary Shelters
In addition to covering and protecting existing structures, tarpaulin is commonly used on farms to quickly erect temporary shelters as needed. Some applications include:
Hoop house coverings
Tarps stretched over hoop structures provide protected growing space for cooler months. Portable and low-cost compared to permanent greenhouses.
High tunnel shelters
Larger semi-permanent tunnels covered by durable tarps extend the seasons for high-value crops like tomatoes and berries.
Livestock shelters
Tarps hung between poles or fences create protected areas to rotate grazing animals to or hold them temporarily during inclement weather.
Shade structures
Tarps provide relief from sun/heat for livestock near barns or in pastures, especially important for dairy cows.
Calving/lambing tents
Mid-sized portable tents made of heavy-duty tarp shelter newborn livestock and mothers during birth season.
Field equipment repair areas
Tarps form makeshift covered bays near fields to perform maintenance/repairs safely out of the rain.
FAQs
What is the typical lifespan of a tarpaulin?
Well-maintained tarps can last 5-10 years when regularly cleaned, stored dry and not exposed to prolonged sun damage. Lower grade tarps may only survive 2-3 years of outdoor use.
When should tarps be put up and taken down?
Coverings should go up just before predicted rain or snow and come down as soon as weather improves to allow covered areas to dry out thoroughly. Leaving them on too long can promote mold.
How do I patch small holes in tarpaulin?
Use tarp repair tape or liquid vinyl designed for patching leaks. Ensure the surface is clean and dry first. For larger rips, an outdoor vinyl fabric can be sewn or adhered as a patch.
What’s the best way to clean and dry mildewed tarps?
Scrub mold off with a diluted bleach solution, then air dry completely in direct sun if possible. Avoid machine drying which can damage the fabric over time. Fold and store dry tarps between uses.
Should tarps be replaced if extremely weathered?
Heavy cracking, flaking vinyl or more than 3 patches generally means a tarp has exceeded its useful life. For critical uses, it’s best to replace rather than risk further deterioration or leaks compromising covered materials.
Conclusion
As this post has shown, tarpaulin serves purposes across all aspects of agricultural operations both large and small through its ability to waterproof and shield critical resources from harsh outdoor conditions. From protecting soil-bound crops in fields to guarding harvested feed in vertical storage, tarps help agricultural producers preserve the value of their products, livestock, facilities and equipment. Their affordability and adaptability make them essential tools for sustainable farm management practices worldwide.
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