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Journal article
Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review
HortScience, Vol.59(10), pp.1524-1533
10/01/2024
Abstract
Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.
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Details
- Title
- Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review
- Creators
- Nataliya Shcherbatyuk - Washington State UniversitySam E. Wortman - University of Nebraska–LincolnDakota McFadden - Washington State UniversityBen Weiss - Washington State UniversitySharon Weyers - Agricultural Research ServiceWaqas Ahmad - North Dakota State UniversityDilpreet S. Bajwa - Montana State UniversitySuzette P. Galinato - Washington State UniversityAlice Formiga - Oregon State UniversityGreta Gramig - North Dakota State UniversityLisa Wasko DeVetter - Washington State University
- Publication Details
- HortScience, Vol.59(10), pp.1524-1533
- Academic Unit
- College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
- Publisher
- Amer Soc Horticultural Science
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- 1014527 / USDA NIFA Hatch Project 2021-51300-34909; 2022-51181-38325 / USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Identifiers
- 99901180183101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article