Can agricultural plastic mulch reduce weeds in crops?

Yes, agricultural plastic mulch can significantly reduce weed growth in crops. By covering the soil surface, it prevents sunlight from reaching the weeds, inhibiting their photosynthesis and growth. This not only reduces competition for nutrients and water but also helps in conserving soil moisture, which is beneficial for crop growth. Additionally, plastic mulch can improve soil temperature and promote earlier crop maturation. However, it's important to manage the mulch properly to avoid environmental issues related to plastic waste.