A spray-on environmentally friendly degradable mulch material and its weed suppressing effect in greenhouse experiments

Abstract

Abstract This study describes a novel spray-on mulch material as an alternative to currently used weed control methods. The mulch material is based on renewable raw materials, mainly rapeseed oil, starch and sodium alginate. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the mulch material's heat and water resistance as well as any mold growth. Furthermore, the aerobic degradability of the mulch material was recorded using the DIN EN ISO 17556 method. In addition, the mulch material was spread on an experimental field and its durability was tested under natural conditions over the vegetation period. The weed suppressing effect of the mulch material was investigated in greenhouse experiments. The formulation of the mulch material was optimized for heat and water stability. Mould resistance was improved by adding sodium benzoate. In the laboratory experiment, the CO2 decomposition rate was about 30% after seven weeks. In the field, the mulch material maintained its function for six months. In the greenhouse, it was found that the mulch material showed a high efficiency in controlling aboveground biomass of Elymus repens, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Setaria viridis. In addition, the biomass of the roots of Amaranthus retroflexus and Elymus repens was reduced. Further studies are on the way to elucidate field suitability and the weed suppressive effect under different environmental conditions.