Adoption of biodegradable mulching films in agriculture: is there a negative prejudice towards materials derived from organic wastes?

Scaringelli, Myriam Anna; Giannoccaro, Giacomo; Prosperi, Maurizio; Lopolito, Antonio

doi:10.4081/ija.2016.716

Cited by 26 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…In contrast to findings presented in Scaringelli et al [14], our results suggest that age and education are not statistically significantly correlated with the use of BDMs. Scaringelli et al [14] suggest that younger and more educated farmers are more likely to use biodegradable mulch films derived from organic wastes.…”

Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…Based on the literature focused on factors influencing the adoption of best management practices (BMP) and willingness to use biodegradable mulches made out of organic waste, we expect farmer age and education to be correlated with the use of BDM [14,29,30]. Age is expected to be negatively associated with BDM use as younger farmers, with longer planning horizons, might be more open to new technologies and more likely to be influenced by the potential long-term impacts on the environment associated with the use of PE mulch.…”

Section: Empirical Model and Estimation Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaluating the Relationship between Fruit and Vegetable Growers Use of Plastic Biodegradable Mulches, and Environmental Stewardship and Labor Savings: The Case of Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

et al. 2020

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The substitution of polyethylene (PE) mulch for plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) in fruit and vegetable production has the potential to reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with PE mulch use, and the overall sustainability of fruit and vegetable production. A better understanding of the factors associated with BDM use could inform efforts to promote the use of BDMs. The main goal of this study is to assess the correlation between the use of BDMs among fruit and vegetable farmers, and labor savings and environmental stewardship. Using data from a Tennessee fruit and vegetable farmer survey and probit regressions, this study evaluates the correlation between the use of BDMs, and the labor savings associated with the use of BDMs and farmer environmental stewardship, after controlling for farmer and farmer business characteristics. Results suggest that farm size, farmer environmental stewardship, and labor savings from BDM use are strongly correlated with the use of BDMs among Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers, specifically among those farmers who are more likely to have previous experience using PE mulch.

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Section: Resultscontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Empirical Model and Estimation Proceduresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating the Relationship between Fruit and Vegetable Growers Use of Plastic Biodegradable Mulches, and Environmental Stewardship and Labor Savings: The Case of Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

et al. 2020

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“…Based on their color (black, clear or white), they absorb and/or reflect sunlight, differently varying soil temperature, thus affecting crop growth and productivity [5]. Plastic films are widely used for growing vegetables under both open-field and greenhouse conditions [6]. Moreover, these films are mainly made by low-density polyethylene (LDPE) [3], having a strong resistance and high durability, even though, like all petroleum products, they are non-compostable and non-biodegradable.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nowadays, research is projected towards the creation of films made of biopolymers, such as starch, polylactic acid, and cellulose. These materials are derived from renewable resources, such as corn, potato, and rice [1,6]. Their degradation is in compliance with the European laws and Italian ones (UNI 10785, 1999) on biodegradability (EN 13432, 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Appraisal of Biodegradable Mulching Films and Vegetal-Derived Biostimulant Application as Eco-Sustainable Practices for Enhancing Lettuce Crop Performance and Nutritive Value

et al. 2020

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Scientists, extensions specialists, and growers are seeking sustainable agricultural practices that are able to cope with these objectives in order to ensure global food security and minimize environmental damage. The use of mulching films and plant biostimulants in agriculture seems to be a valid solution for tackling these rising concerns. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to elucidate the morpho-physiological and nutritive characteristics of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in response to foliar application of a tropical plant extract (PE) biostimulant and the use of plastic mulches. Two biodegradable mulch treatments (Mater-Bi® 1 and Mater-Bi® 2) were compared to black polyethylene (LDPE) and bare soil. Biodegradable mulch film Mater-Bi® 1 produced a comparable marketable fresh yield to the commercial standard polyethylene (LDPE), whereas Mater-Bi® 2 exhibited the highest crop productivity. When averaged over biostimulant application, lettuce plants grown with biodegradable film Mater-Bi® 2 exhibited superior quality traits in terms of K, Ca, total ascorbic acid, and carotenoids content. The combination of film mulching (LDPE, Mater-Bi® 1 or Mater-Bi® 2) with the tropical plant extract biostimulant exhibited a positive and significant synergistic effect (+30%) on yield. The PE-biostimulant induced higher values of SPAD index and total chlorophyll content when compared to untreated greenhouse lettuce. The mineral content of leaf tissues was greater by 10% and 17% (for P and Ca, respectively) when compared to the untreated lettuce (no PE application). Nitrate content was significantly reduced by 23% in greenhouse lettuce plants receiving PE as compared to the untreated control. The positive effect of Mater-Bi® 2 film on the ascorbic acid content has also been highlighted when combined with the biostimulant application, where a major amplification of total ascorbic acid (+168%) was recorded in comparison to the untreated lettuce. Overall, our work can assist leafy vegetables growers in adopting good agricultural practices, such as biodegradable plastic mulches and vegetal-derived biostimulants, to improve the sustainability of greenhouse production.

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“…The expansion of its use has progressively occurred in several countries due to its agronomic and economic benefits. Some examples of these benefits are: increased soil temperature, weed control, moisture conservation, insect/pest reduction, higher crop yields, efficient use of soil nutrients, water saving, and a reduction in the use of agrochemicals such as pesticides and herbicides …”

Section: Plastics In the Agricultural Sector And Biodegradable Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Starch–gelatin film as an alternative to the use of plastics in agriculture: a review

et al. 2019

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BACKGROUND The technological advances in agriculture, driven by the increased demand for food attributed to population growth, have led to the search for technologies that allow greater control over the variables that interfere in crop yield. Several techniques stand out for optimizing yield capacity, including cultivation in a protected environment, mulching and low tunneling. To expand the use of these techniques, synthetic petroleum‐based polymers are employed due to their low cost, easy processing, and lightness. However, they take a long time to degrade, and, since they are discarded at the end of each cycle of cultivation, end up accumulating in the environment causing irreversible damage. RESULTS The use of biodegradable films, made of starch and/or a protein source such as gelatin, has been studied as a promising alternative. Both stand out because of their film‐forming ability, and because they come from abundant sources and are biodegradable. CONCLUSION This study aimed to review the current findings on starch and gelatin films that can be used as alternatives to conventional plastics in agricultural crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

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Adoption of biodegradable mulching films in agriculture: is there a negative prejudice towards materials derived from organic wastes?

Cited by 26 publications

References 18 publications

Evaluating the Relationship between Fruit and Vegetable Growers Use of Plastic Biodegradable Mulches, and Environmental Stewardship and Labor Savings: The Case of Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

Evaluating the Relationship between Fruit and Vegetable Growers Use of Plastic Biodegradable Mulches, and Environmental Stewardship and Labor Savings: The Case of Tennessee Fruit and Vegetable Farmers

Appraisal of Biodegradable Mulching Films and Vegetal-Derived Biostimulant Application as Eco-Sustainable Practices for Enhancing Lettuce Crop Performance and Nutritive Value

Starch–gelatin film as an alternative to the use of plastics in agriculture: a review

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