Degradable Mulch as an Alternative to Polyethylene for Watermelon Production

Abstract

Polyethylene mulch is widely used for vegetable production in the United States as a tool to conserve water, control weeds, and produce earlier and cleaner products (i.e., less attached soil). However, the increasing labor costs for mulch removal and disposal after harvest and soil environmental pollution are major concerns. The objective of this study was to assess fruit yield and quality, mulch deterioration, soil microbial activity, and nutrient changes in ‘Stargazer’ watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) grown with degradable plastic mulch. The deterioration rates of degradable mulch were 7%, 37%, 57%, and 92% after 120, 210, 300, and 365 days, respectively, of placing the mulch in the field. However, the extra difference in using degradable mulch was calculated as $58.6/acre (polyethylene $600.9/acre vs. degradable $659.5/acre), including all costs associated with laying and disposing. One year after placing mulch in the field, the nitrate content and total and active fungi numerically increased (P = 0.08) in soils with the degradable mulch compared with polyethylene mulch. However, there were no statistical differences in soil phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and total and active bacteria. Extra-large fruit size yield (category >24.0 lb) from the polyethylene mulch treatment was higher than that from degradable mulch, whereas the 18.0- to 24.0-lb category was lower than that with degradable mulch. However, total yield and total soluble solids from both mulches were statistically similar. Considering the complete deterioration (less waste), mulch removal cost (not required), microbial associations (higher fungi abundance and activity), and similar yield and fruit quality of degradable mulch compared with polyethylene, the implementation of degradable mulches in commercial watermelon field practices is promising.

Innovative approach of biodegradable mulches in sustainable agriculture for crop production and environmental conservation

“…Furthermore, BDM can improve soil quality by enhancing nutrient content, preserving soil moisture, and increasing the efficiency of nitrogen utilization [21,19]. In studies have shown that nitrate content, as well as the total and active fungal populations in the soil, increased quantitatively in soils with biodegradable mulch compared to polyethylene mulch one year after mulch application [11].…”

“…Due to their potential cost-effectiveness, biodegradable mulch products are becoming more and more valuable. The major conditions for mulch to be deemed biodegradable in the case of organic agriculture are that it is entirely made of bio-based materials and that it is at least 90% biodegradable by soil microorganisms in the field during a 2-year period [11,32]. Biodegradable mulch is typically turned to carbon dioxide, water, and natural compounds by microbial activity in the soil.…”

“…Mater-Bi estimates the cost of biodegradable mulch for 1.5 1000-m roll at roughly $350 [11]. According to research that compared the economic viability of eight different biodegradable mulching options for open-air pepper plants, the cost of mulching materials ranged from 7.5% to 14.1% of overall biodegradable prices to between 13.1% and 16.2% of total expenses [33].…”

“…According to research that compared the economic viability of eight different biodegradable mulching options for open-air pepper plants, the cost of mulching materials ranged from 7.5% to 14.1% of overall biodegradable prices to between 13.1% and 16.2% of total expenses [33]. Another study positively assessed the cost, degradability, and effects of plastic mulch on soil NO3-N, microbial alterations, watermelon production, and quality [11]. Currently, the most promising replacements for non-degradable plastic mulching are ecologically conscious and cost-effective biodegradable films [34] and BDM offer potential costeffectiveness while adhering to specific organic agriculture criteria.…”

“…Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), Poly (lactic acid) (PLA (derived from corn starch or sugar cane)), Poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC), Poly (hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA), Cellulose, Starch, Fiber and Proteins are a few of the components frequently utilized to generate biodegradable mulch [7,10]. After 120, 210, 300, and 365 days in the natural environment, the degradation rates of degradable mulch were 7%, 37%, 57%, and 92%, correspondingly [11]. In general, Briassoulis and Giannoulis [12] study the performance (such as durability, sensitivity to external field conditions, tear resistance, impact resistance, penetration strength, water vapor permeability, CO2 transmission rates, and radiometric properties) of bio-based mulching films was found to be sufficient, offering new design options for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural procedures.…”