Thesis
Plastic Mulch Use in Specialty Cropping Systems
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
01/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000003102
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124452
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) mulches are widely used in specialty cropping systems due to the horticultural benefits they provide. However, PE mulch is nondegradable and must be removed seasonally, generating large quantities of plastic waste that contribute to plastic pollution concerns. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) have the potential to offset disposal and labor challenges associated with removal and disposal of PE mulch. Still, perceived variability of in-soil degradation has raised concerns about its functionality and sustainability, particularly in cooler climates and regions with dry or saturated soils where biodegradation rates may be slower. Plasticulture is a relatively new management approach for floricane raspberry (Rubus ideaus) growers, and its long-term effects are not currently well known. To understand the potential utility of plastic mulching in raspberry operations, it is essential to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing plastic mulch adoption. To accomplish these objectives, the studies were designed to (1) provide an introduction to plastic mulching and highlight some of the challenges associated with its long-term use, (2) provide a review of the disposal pathways of PE mulch in the United States, (3) evaluate the effects of compost, humic and acetic acids on BDM surface deterioration and in-soil degradation, and (4) identify the types of risk and uncertainties that raspberry growers may have about using PE mulch and BDMs. In the first study it was determined that humic and acetic acid can promote mulch surface deterioration of select plastic BDMs. However, the products did not influence in-soil degradation rates, still greater in-soil degradation occurred when using starch and PBAT based BDMs. In the second study findings suggest that PE mulch was considered riskier to industry representatives but less risky to growers and most research and outreach specialists. BDMs were perceived as risky due to the uncertainties about durability, in-soil degradability, and the unknown long-term effects on the environment if BDMs do not degrade readily. The incorporation of PE mulch and BDMs can be beneficial for raspberry production systems but will require time to allow for further research and effort to distribute information to a wider agricultural audience.
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Details
- Title
- Plastic Mulch Use in Specialty Cropping Systems
- Creators
- Brenda Madrid Martinez
- Contributors
- Lisa W DeVetter (Advisor)Jessica R Goldberger (Committee Member)Carol A Miles (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Horticulture, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 147
- Identifiers
- 99900651792601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis