Journal
AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Volume 38, Issue 8, Pages 861-889Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC
DOI: 10.1080/21683565.2014.884515
Keywords
biodegradable mulch films; sustainable agriculture; in situ degradation; soil microbial structure; diurnal temperature range
Funding
- NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative, USDA SCRI-SREP Grant Award [2009-0284]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
For widespread adoption of biodegradable plastics as agricultural mulches, dependable biodegradation across contrasting conditions is necessary. The in situ degradation of four potentially biodegradable mulches (two commercially available starch-based films, one commercially available cellulose paper mulch, and one experimental spunbond polylactic acid mulch) were evaluated by measuring percentage of area remaining (PMAR) after burial for 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in high tunnel and open field tomato production systems at three geographically distinct U. S. locations (Knoxville, TN; Lubbock, TX; Mount Vernon, WA). The PMAR of the mulches did not differ between high tunnel and open field systems at any location, and PMAR of cellulose mulch was 0% within 12 months but >90% for experimental spunbond at 24 months. The PMAR of the two starch-based products did vary by location and was lowest at Lubbock (similar to 2%) compared to Knoxville (49%) or Mount Vernon (89%). Relative to the other two locations, Lubbock had the greatest soil diurnal temperature range, maximum daily soil temperature, an alkaline soil pH, and a microbial community structure characterized by a relatively high abundance of fungi. Mulch type and geographic location exerted a greater influence on PMAR than did production system, and abiotic and biotic variables influenced degradation.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available