What are row covers used for on farm?

Hey, I live in really rural nouns and have farm all over the place. On some farm, I see a white or black plastic and I was told they're call row covers. They're not "floating" but tight to the ground with terrifically little air (if any) underneath. They own not sprouted yet. What is the purpose of these? What if one would rip? Thanks.

Answers:    Sandy G is correct. The plastic also prevents erosion of the mounds on which the plants are planted. Many vegetable and fruit plants grow better when planted on a slight mound. This also forms furrows between the rows for irrigation. Without the plastic, precipitation and irrigation would start to erode the mounds, exposing the plant roots.
It is usually used for weed control, and to retain soil moisture in places where on earth they plan to plant tomatoes, melons, peppers, etc. To plant the plants, they put together a little hole surrounded by the plastic. It is often biodegradable plastic so they can plough it within at the end of the season.
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