Synthesis of current evidence on factors influencing the suitability of synthetic biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: A systematic review

Madin, Michael; Nelson, Katherine; Fatema, Kanij; Schoengold, Karina; Dalal, Abhilekha; Onyekwelu, Ikenna; Rayan, Rushrukh; Norouzi, Sanaz Saki

doi:10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101095

Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101095

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Synthesis of current evidence on factors influencing the suitability of synthetic biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: A systematic review

Michael Madin,

Katherine Nelson,

Kanij Fatema

et al.

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Cited by 2 publications

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Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield

Cao,

Sun,

Peng

et al. 2024

J. Arid Land

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Film-stalk spaced dual mulching is a new type of cultivation measure that is increasingly highlighted in semi-arid areas in China. Despite its potential, there is limited understanding of how different mulching materials affect both soil quality and crop yield in these areas. To address this gap, we conducted a two-year (2020–2021) field experiment in central China to explore the yield-enhancing mechanisms and assess the impact of various mulching materials on soil and corn yield. The experiment comprised six treatments, i.e., plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in fall (PSF), plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (PSS), black and silver plastic film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (BPSS), biodegradable film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (BSS), liquid film-whole stalk spaced mulching in spring (LSS), and non-mulching cultivation (CK). Results revealed that BPSS demonstrated the most significant yield increase, surpassing CK by a notable 10.0% and other mulching treatments by 2.4%–5.9%. The efficacy of BPSS lied in its provision of favorable hydrothermal conditions for corn cultivation, particularly during hot season. Its cooling effect facilitated the establishment of optimal temperature conditions relative to transparent mulching, leading to higher root growth indices (e.g., length and surface area), as well as higher leaf photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation per plant. Additionally, BPSS maintained higher average soil moisture content within 0–100 cm depth compared with biodegradable mulching and liquid mulching. As a result, BPSS increased activities of urease, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the diversity and abundance of soil bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere zone of corn, facilitating nutrient accessibility by the plant. These findings suggest that selecting appropriate mulching materials is crucial for optimizing corn production in drought-prone areas, highlighting the potential of BPSS cultivation.

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Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield

Cao,

Sun,

Peng

et al. 2024

J. Arid Land

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Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania

Ramadhani,

Nassary,

Rwehumbiza

et al. 2024

Front. Sustain. Food Syst.

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Mulching is a widely used agricultural practice that can significantly affect crop growth, yield, and economic outcomes, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The present study evaluated the influence of various mulching practices on the growth, yield, and economic viability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Tanzania. The study was conducted across three sites in the eastern agro-ecological zone of Tanzania: Kipera (E4 200–1000 m.a.s.l.), Mgeta (E14 500–000 m.a.s.l.), and Ndole (E2 500–1200 m.a.s.l.). Four mulching treatments—polythene mulch, synthetic biodegradable mulch, rice husk mulch, and a control group—were applied to assess their effects on plant growth and yield components. Results revealed significant variations in growth parameters and yield components across sites. Notably, polythene mulch and synthetic biodegradable mulch consistently outperformed the other treatments. Polythene mulch resulted in an average plant height of 68.37 cm, followed closely by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 68.26 cm, both significantly (p < 0.05) taller than rice husk mulch (62.79 cm) and the control (57.74 cm). Canopy coverage was highest with polythene mulch at 61.7%, followed by synthetic biodegradable mulch at 60.5%. Grain yields did not differ significantly between synthetic biodegradable mulch (2.64 t ha−1) and polythene mulch (2.67 t ha−1). Economic analysis indicated that synthetic biodegradable mulch offers promising marginal returns (MR: Tshs. 3,787,450 or USD 1,469) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.91, compared to polythene mulch (MR: Tshs. 4,114,050 or USD 1,595, BCR: 2.06). These findings suggest that synthetic biodegradable mulch is a sustainable and economically viable option for enhancing common bean production across diverse agro-ecological settings in Tanzania.

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Synthesis of current evidence on factors influencing the suitability of synthetic biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: A systematic review

Cited by 2 publications

References 117 publications

Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield

Effects of film-stalk spaced dual mulching system on corn growth and yield

Impact of mulching treatments on growth, yields, and economics of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Eastern Tanzania

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