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Mulching Influence on Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change Mitigation: A Review
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This review pulls together existing research on "mulching", covering soil with materials like straw or plastic film to help crops grow better and use less water, especially in dry regions. While plastic mulches work well short-term, they contribute to plastic pollution that can break down into microplastics in soil, which is a growing concern for food safety and human health; organic and newer biodegradable alternatives may offer similar farming benefits with less environmental risk. The bigger takeaway: smarter farming practices like this can help grow more food with less water while also fighting climate change, but choosing eco-friendly materials matters for protecting both the environment and the food we eat.
Mulching is a major agronomic practice that improves agricultural productivity and mitigates the effects of climate change. It is also an effective soil and water conservation method, as it minimizes evaporation, regulates soil temperature, and enhances water retention, particularly in dry and semi-arid areas that constitute approximately 40% of the world's land mass. There are differences in the contribution of organic and inorganic mulching materials, where organic mulches are more beneficial in enhancing the soil fertility by cycling of nutrients, enhancement of microorganisms, but inorganic mulches, such as plastic films, are more beneficial in terms of immediate moisture retention but have adverse environmental effects, such as plastic pollution. Biodegradable mulches and hydrogel-based materials are examples of new products and solutions that offer eco-friendly substitutes that lower the level of ecological hazard. Mulching has been reported to enhance crop production and water-use efficiency through precision irrigation methods such as drip irrigation. In addition, mulching lowers the emissions of greenhouse gases through regulation of microbial activity of the soil and increasing organic carbon sequestration in soil, especially when used in tandem with other amendments such as biochar. Although mulching has been shown to improve resistance to climate variability among peasant farmers, particularly in middle Africa and Asia, socioeconomic and technological challenges remain. Climate-smart agriculture can be implemented by incorporating mulching within climate-sensitive agricultural systems with the assistance of digital technologies and policy-makers to promote sustainable intensification and food security across the world. The importance of mulching towards climate resiliency, sustainable production and environmental stewardship has been seen in this review in a multifaceted way.
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Materials used for soil mulching: A comprehensive review of performance, soil impact, and sustainability
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This review of existing farming research compares different materials used to cover soil ("mulch"), like plastic film, straw, and biodegradable covers, to see which best help crops grow while protecting soil health. The key takeaway: plastic mulch works great short-term but breaks down into microplastics that build up in soil over time, while organic materials like straw are better for long-term soil health, though no single option is perfect for every situation. This matters because the food we eat grows in this soil, so choices about farming materials can affect microplastic contamination in our food supply and the long-term sustainability of the land that produces it.
A review of applications, effects, and potential of mulching technology in agriculture
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This review comprehensively examines mulching practices in agriculture — covering organic, synthetic, and living materials — and their effects on soil moisture, temperature, weed suppression, and crop yield. The authors highlight emerging biodegradable mulch alternatives as more sustainable options amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination from plastic mulch films.
Mulching Practices for Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing Yield, Soil Moisture, and Environmental Benefits in Field and Fruit Crops
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A review of mulching practices in sustainable agriculture finds that organic mulches improve soil fertility, moisture retention, and weed suppression while emerging biodegradable alternatives show promise in reducing plastic mulch pollution. Reducing reliance on conventional plastic film mulch is a meaningful lever for cutting agricultural microplastic contamination of soils and water systems.
Polymers Use as Mulch Films in Agriculture—A Review of History, Problems and Current Trends
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This review traces the history of plastic mulch films in agriculture, from their widespread adoption for moisture retention and weed control to growing concerns about soil contamination. Researchers found that while polyethylene mulch is highly effective, its accumulation in farmland creates long-term pollution and health risks. The study examines emerging biodegradable alternatives and new regulations aimed at reducing agricultural plastic waste.
Plastic Use in Agriculture: Balancing Benefits, Environmental Impacts, and Sustainable Solutions
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This review examines the benefits and environmental risks of plasticulture, covering how plastic mulches, greenhouse covers, and irrigation systems boost yields while generating microplastic soil contamination, and proposing sustainable alternatives and policy frameworks.
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