Biodegradable mulching materials for agriculture: technology and environmental safety

Abstract

Soil mulching is a common agricultural technique that reduces moisture loss, suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and generally increases yield. Traditionally, low-density polyethylene is used for these purposes due to its mechanical and barrier properties, resistance to all forms of degradation, simple processing of cover soil, and low cost. However, using polyethylene has several artificial and environmental risks associated with difficult biodegradability, the difficulty of its removal after the harvest cycle, and final disposal. Therefore, there is great interest in the use of biodegradable mulch films. Two groups of materials most suitable for producing biodegradable coatings are polysaccharides of natural origin and biopolymers of synthetic origin. Technological methods for producing biopolymers from raw natural material by extraction from biomass and chemical or biotechnological methods are analyzed. Data are presented on the potential of biodegradable mulch materials of natural origin, films based on polysaccharides, synthetic polymers, and those applied as a solution for possible replacement of traditional mulch materials. A comparison was made of the compositions of biodegradable coatings, their properties, and their effects when used. The prospects and ways of introducing biodegradable film materials into agricultural practice are summarized.