Biodegradable plastic mulch films in agriculture: feasibility and challenges

Isolation of native soil microorganisms with potential for breaking down biodegradable plastic mulch films used in agriculture.

Fungi native to agricultural soils that colonized commercially available biodegradable mulch (BDM) films were isolated and assessed for potential to degrade plastics. Typically, when formulations of plastics are known and a source of the feedstock is available, powdered plastic can be suspended in agar-based media and degradation determined by visualization of clearing zones. However, this appr...

Runoff loss of pesticides and soil: a comparison between vegetative mulch and plastic mulch in vegetable production systems.

Current vegetable production systems use polyethylene (plastic) mulch and require multiple applications of agrochemicals. During rain events, runoff from vegetable production is enhanced because 50 to 75% of the field is covered with an impervious surface. This study was conducted to quantify off-site movement of soil and pesticides with runoff from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) plots ...

Further Notes about Biodegradable Plastic

Reverte oxo-biodegradable additive masterbatch and bags are not compliant to the criteria stated in AS4736 which is an Australian Standard® Biodegradable plastics—Biodegradable plastics suitable for composting and other microbial treatment documents. Well Plastics UK are in the same opinion as the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association that bio-based is the wrong technology (reason is as attach...

Plant-based material, protein and biodegradable plastic.

Fibrous proteins from spiders, proteins with synthetic multiple repeats and mammalian structural proteins such as collagen have been produced in transgenic plants. Recent advances in the production of biodegradable plastic in plants also show the potential of molecular farming for research into and production of materials. Selection of a growing variety of such products, optimization of express...

How Long Can Roundup ® Residues Stay on Plastic Mulch ?