Biodegradable and biobased mulch residues had limited impacts on soil properties but reduced yield of the following crop in a low fertility soil

Abstract Biodegradable and biobased mulch films fabrics (BDMs) are potentially sustainable alternatives to polyethylene plastic film (PE) in vegetable production because BDMs can be incorporated into the soil by tillage at end of growing season for decomposition. However, grower adoption has been limited part concerns about slow degradation rates possible adverse effects on health productivity. The objective this study was measure residues from two compost chemical physical properties crop yield across diverse locations [Lincoln (LNK) Scottsbluff (SBF), NE, USA] during a 2-yr study. BDMs, including polylactic acid biofabric with embedded wood particles (PLA; 1.14 mm thick 298 g m −2 ), starch-polyester bioplastic (STP; 0.015 20 were applied May 2017 production. Mulches September half experimental plots removed other as control. Compost fall 2018 between 42 60 Mg ha −1 establish high low (no compost) fertility environments within each location. Sweet corn ( Zea mays ) grown cabbage Brassica oleraceae 2019, data collected. sampled ~6 month intervals years. BDM had little effect pH, organic matter or properties, but incorporation PLA SBF reduced nitrate 6 months after residues. Nitrogen immobilization likely contributed 16% ± 5% reduction sweet observed without where compared removed. No additional differences detected (2018) (2019) treatments, which suggests that less immobilize nitrogen reduce environments. Given potential environmental benefits an alternative PE, future research should seek mitigate negative yield, particularly lower soils.