Row cover(2)

Disadvantage of row cover:
Cost:Cost associated with growing crops under row covers are dependent on the type of crop, row spacing and type of row cover. Crops requiring a supported row cover will incur greater costs associated with wire hoops required for support versus using a floating row cover. Rows with closer spacing will require more material for support tunnels. There is also a big difference in the cost of materials.Heavier materials tend to be more expensive. Additional labor costs can also be very siginificant. Costs can be reduced with the use of protective coatings and ultraviolet light inhibitors incorporated into the row cover so that such materials can be reused.

Pests:Although row covers are often used to exclude insects, any insects that do enter the covered area can multiply very quickly in such a favorable environment. Weeds can also flourish, especially if the area has not be treated with herbicide or covered with a plastic mulch. The row cover may also have to be pulled back during bloom(cucurbits, strawberries) to allow bees to pollinate the plants.

Labor:Use of row covers, especially the supported tunnels, require considerably more labor in put earlier in the season than traditional production techniques. This is particularly true if the row cover has to be occasionally removed to weed, apply insecticides or allow for pollination. Machines are available for establishing hoop-supported row covers.

Above words are cited from George W. Dickerson's essay in October 2004

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