Plastic mulch is used in crop production and landscaping to suppress weeds and conserve water. The history of plastic mulch dates back to the 1950s when polyethylene film began being used as mulch. Using plastic mulch involves costs for equipment, the plastic film itself, specialized planters for plastic beds, and labor for installation and removal. Planting through plastic mulch requires equipment like waterwheel transplanters that utilize rotating drums with plant spikes.