About two decades ago when I was studying in the province, we used dried grasses to protect strawberries from directly touching the ground and thus avoid rotting. Several years back up to these days when I go back to the province from time to time, I was surprised to see that the farmers are using tarps.

Here is a cropped version of the photo I took from our province sometime last year. They cover the plant beds with tarps.

The primary purpose is again, to keep the fruits from direct contact with the ground. Another purpose is like yours, to minimize weeds. However, I immediately thought of the effect on the fruits.

I asked the farmers if there is any difference on the taste of strawberries where tarps were used. They said the ones with tarps are a little sour than those without tarps. However, they still use the plastic because of greater convenience. That gave me the impression that the plastic tarp may have a different impact or reaction with the fruits. I wonder how it is gonna be with vegetables because some farmers planting vegetables do the same. Maybe you have an observation about that since you plant vegetables?