Environmental Sustainability of Plastic in Agriculture

Abstract

This article investigates the environmental sustainability of plastic nets in agricultural environments based on published experimental data. This article focuses on biodegradable and synthetic plastics used in farms as mulching materials and shade materials/greenhouse covering materials (shade nets and plastic films) to protect plants from pests and extreme weather. The sustainability was determined by three factors, carbon footprint from cradle to the end of life (LCA), durability (resistance to photo-oxidation and high tensile strength), and affordability. The LCA analyses showed that the production of polyethylene (PE) requires less energy and generates low quantities of greenhouse gas equivalents. Beyond the LCA data, biodegradable polymers are sustainable based on biodegradability and compostability, ability to suppress weeds, control soil temperatures, and moisture, and augment fertigation and drip irrigation. However, existing technologies are a limiting factor because lab-based innovations have not been commercialized. In addition, industrial production of shade nets, plastic greenhouse covers, and mulching materials are limited to synthetic plastics. The bio-based plastic materials are sustainable based on biodegradability, and resistant to photo-oxidation. The resistance to UV degradation is an essential property because solar radiation cleaves C-C bonds, which in turn impact the mechanical strength of the materials. In brief, the sustainability of plastics in farms is influenced by LCA data, mechanical and optical properties, and performance relative to other materials.

Benchmarking evaluation methodologies for existing reinforced concrete buildings

“…Another LCA study has been conducted on agricultural plastic nets. Plastic nets are oftentimes used in agricultural operations to enhance agriculture yields and nutritional properties as well as limit exposure to insect infestation and solar radiation [79]. However, it is often impossible to measure the global volume of agricultural net production due to a lack of data availability from agricultural and manufacturers associations [74].…”

“…However, it is often impossible to measure the global volume of agricultural net production due to a lack of data availability from agricultural and manufacturers associations [74]. Like mulch film, biodegradable plastic nets made of poly-lactic acid (PLA) require a lower energy demand for production and have a lower GHG emission equivalent than non-biodegradable plastic nets made of polymer (PE) [79]. Recycling of agricultural plastic nets seems like a sustainable disposal method as it diverts landfill volume and removes excess plastics from the environment.…”

Sustainable management practices and innovation capacity in family agribusinesses

“…Family agribusiness is one of the major sectors that favor sustainable growth and the economy and contributes to the strengthening of Brazilian biodiversity as well as to strengthen the relationship between agriculture and industry (Ipea, 2017). Being that, family farming becomes an activity that through transformation will allow to face the challenges and the fulfillment of the specified requirements related to the concepts of sustainability (Maraveas, 2020).…”

Smart and Solar Greenhouse Covers: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

“…Extensive studies have been undertaken on the development of sustainable materials for agricultural applications, including sustainable plastics for agricultural applications (Maraveas, 2020a), biodegradable plastics from agricultural waste (Maraveas, 2020b), sustainable greenhouse covering materials (Maraveas, 2019), and sensors for monitoring the health of agricultural structures and silos (Villacorta et al, 2021). However, there has been an inadequate emphasis on smart solar greenhouse covers for greenhouse that can serve multiple functions, including the regulation of the internal microclimate, reducing the carbon footprint, and energy generation.…”