What are the advantages of plastic mulching ?

Plastic mulching is completely impermeable to water. It conserves moisture by preventing direct evaporation of moisture from soil. By evaporation suppression, it prevents the rise of water containing salts. Mulch can facilitate fertilizer placement and reduce the loss of plant nutrient through leaching. Mulches can also provide a barrier to soil pathogens. Opaque mulches prevent germination of annual weeds from receiving light. Reflective mulches will repel certain insects.