welome to xl soft fruit solutions
We have worked with soft fruit growers now for over 25 years. We have listened to what you want, made countless samples and trials, and by analysing your current requirements and products we have developed a new type of film which exceeds the strength and lifetime qualities of every other film on the market.
We were the first to sell diffused film 25 years ago. Our 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 we can give a higher overall light level. All of our 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 we 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.
We were the first to sell diffused film 25 years ago. Our 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 we can give a higher overall light level. All of our 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 we 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.
For this reason all of the SunMaster range is UV open, except for one (SunMaster SuperThermic) which blocks the UV entirely. Blocking the UV gives a bigger foliage growth and also dramatically reduces fungal diseases, whitefly and other flying insects. And therein lies the problem for the soft fruit grower because we rely heavily on bees as pollinators. Having said that much of the early organic strawberry work at Wye used XL SteriLight and had perfectly good crops. We also know it takes 13 days for bees to become accustomed to, for what is to them a lower light level, and start to work.
Over the past few years the burning of sulphur has become very common. Sulphur burners have an adverse affect on the UV stabilisers in the film and can halve the effective life of the polythene. This can be seen by the splitting and cracking of the film, usually above the burners.
Our normal films will withstand a contamination of 300ppm sulphur and 100ppm chlorine, however for a very small extra charge we can double the resistance to Sulphur. Please ask us to add this to your quote.
We don't have a one-type suits all policy; we 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 we 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.
Subject to a minimum tonnage we can make any width of film you require up to 14m wide. We can make any length of roll up to 1100 Kgs. and we also have the facility to supply you with cut to length rolls, for each tunnel eliminating waste and reducing cost.
All films are available with anti-drip if so required.
We have the widest range of soft fruit covers available in Europe.
With all of our films, there is a full data sheet available. If you can get one from your current supplier, you can then make a judgement as to the excellent quality of our films.
Along with the special covers we have a range of innovative soft fruit tunnel accessories.
To discuss your specific requirements, please contact us.
Over the past few years the burning of sulphur has become very common. Sulphur burners have an adverse affect on the UV stabilisers in the film and can halve the effective life of the polythene. This can be seen by the splitting and cracking of the film, usually above the burners.
Our normal films will withstand a contamination of 300ppm sulphur and 100ppm chlorine, however for a very small extra charge we can double the resistance to Sulphur. Please ask us to add this to your quote.
We don't have a one-type suits all policy; we 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 we 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.
Subject to a minimum tonnage we can make any width of film you require up to 14m wide. We can make any length of roll up to 1100 Kgs. and we also have the facility to supply you with cut to length rolls, for each tunnel eliminating waste and reducing cost.
All films are available with anti-drip if so required.
We have the widest range of soft fruit covers available in Europe.
With all of our films, there is a full data sheet available. If you can get one from your current supplier, you can then make a judgement as to the excellent quality of our films.
Along with the special covers we have a range of innovative soft fruit tunnel accessories.
To discuss your specific requirements, please contact us.