Four years of continuous use of soil-biodegradable plastic mulch: impact on soil and groundwater quality

There is an increased interest in the use of soil-biodegradable plastic mulch due to limited disposal options for conventional polyethylene mulch. However, information about impact continuous on environment limited. Here, we show effects soil and groundwater quality from mulches crop production four consecutive seasons. Two products were assessed at two locations (Knoxville, TN Mount Vernon, WA) having different climates (humid subtropical cool Mediterranean), with cellulosic-paper mulch, no-mulch included as control treatments. Soil physical, chemical, biological properties first spring 2015 (prior any field operations), then a few days after harvest fall 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. Water samples collected 2018 lysimeters installed 55-cm depth analyzed nutrient composition. Compared treatment, aggregate stability (by 6–16%) water infiltration rate 10–12%) by protecting surface disturbance. Residual nitrate nitrite under lower than 4.1 kg ha?1 7.3 ha?1) yield associated enhanced uptake. mulching, especially reduced microbial activity, measured burst CO2-C 6 g kg?1 day?1 54 day?1, but had no effect extractable organic carbon concentrations nor specific extracellular enzyme activity rates. Within four-year period, overall positive quality, except respiration, which was more pronounced Vernon.