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Impacts of Biodegradable Mulch: Benefits, Degradation, and Residue Effects on Soil Properties and Plant Growth
Summary
Researchers reviewed the performance of biodegradable mulch films as replacements for conventional plastic mulch in agriculture, finding that while they offer clear environmental benefits by fully degrading in soil, significant uncertainties remain around degradation rates under real-world conditions and the long-term effects of residues on soil health and plant growth.
Biodegradable mulch is gaining popularity as a sustainable replacement for conventional plastic mulch because it can fully degrade in the soil, making it more environmentally friendly. However, uncertainties remain regarding its in-situ degradation under diverse natural conditions and over prolonged durations. Furthermore, questions persist about the long-term environmental impact of biodegradable mulch usage on plant–soil health. This review focuses on the use of plastic mulch in agriculture, including its benefits, application across climates, degradation characteristics, and the impact of plastic mulch residues on soil properties and plant growth.