Made from natural latex and organic coconut fibre, Galuku’s Latex Weed Mats provide a protective layer around most soft fruit crops, tree crops and vines. "This greatly reduces the need for hand-weeding, in many cases eliminating it entirely, and also prevents the establishment of wind-borne weeds. For growers, this can add up to big savings on labour costs and make a substantial difference to their overall profit,” Galuku’s Chief Executive Philip Martyn says.
"As well as deterring weeds, Latex Weed Mats help to provide better conditions for beneficial microorganisms that fight the growth of algae and liverworts. "
Fruit, all year round
Galuku has spent two decades developing technology that allows growers to grow quality fruit all year round, in every part of the world. “Through extensive trials, we've found that latex weed mats stabilised soil temperatures. This means that whether you’re growing in summer or winter, or your farm is located in tropical humidity or chillier conditions, you can produce world-class fruit,” Philip says.
More than meets the soil
Latex Weed Mats have many benefits including speeding up fruit production for earlier harvesting, increased volumes, and improved firmness. Growers have also seen improvements in moisture retention and a reduction in damaged and stressed plants. This has resulted in fruit producers across Australia, the Eastern and Western United States, Mexico, South America and China experiencing more successful soft-fruit harvests in the last few seasons, including blueberries, long cane raspberries and blackberries.
Sustainable growing
All Galuku Latex Weed Mats are made of organic needled coir - a by-product from the coconut fibre industry. The mats are OMRI-listed, produced from 100 per cent renewable materials, and completely biodegradable. “For growers with an eye on sustainability, these mats are the perfect option,” Philip says.
Weed mats are available in a variety of round and square sizes to suit all popular cultivation containers. They can be ordered as one-sided latex - ideal for the majority of uses – or as two-sided latex, which is best for hydroponics. Galuku can also make the mats to order in any diameter, and in strips and rolls, to suit the varied needs of its customers.
For more information:
Galuku International
2/665 Old South Head Road
Vaucluse NSW 2030
Australia
Tel +61 29-337-2198