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Perspective Chapter: Effects of Microclimatic Modifications by Plastic Mulches and Shade Nets on Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa) Performance
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This review paper looks at how farmers use plastic sheeting on the soil and shade netting above strawberry plants to control temperature and moisture, which can boost yield and fruit quality. The catch: while these methods can make strawberries sweeter and more resistant to disease, the plastic mulches can break down into microplastics in the soil over time, a growing concern since these tiny particles may end up in our food and water. The researchers suggest biodegradable alternatives as a way to get the farming benefits without the plastic pollution downside.
Microclimatic management is a key factor in optimizing the growth, yield, and fruit quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). This chapter reviews the effects of microclimate modifications produced by plastic mulches and shade nets on strawberry performance and growing conditions. Plastic mulches modify soil temperature, conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, reduce evaporation, and influence fruit size, color, and sugar content. Shade nets regulate incoming radiation, air temperature, and relative humidity, thereby reducing excessive heat and water stress while creating more favorable conditions for vegetative development and fruit production. The combined application of plastic mulch and shading may produce complementary or synergistic effects by simultaneously modifying root-zone and canopy microclimates, potentially increasing yield, improving water-use efficiency, and reducing environmental stress and disease incidence. However, the effectiveness of these practices depends on mulch properties, shading intensity, environmental conditions, soil characteristics, and crop developmental stage. Excessive shading may reduce photosynthesis and sugar accumulation, whereas high humidity combined with moisture-retaining mulch may increase disease risk. Potential limitations also include plastic waste, microplastic accumulation, production costs, maintenance requirements, and difficulties in implementing shading systems on a large scale. Sustainable approaches, including biodegradable mulches, optimized shade-net designs, efficient water management, organic soil amendments, and appropriate plant density, can improve productivity while reducing environmental impacts. Overall, integrated microclimate management offers a practical strategy for improving strawberry resilience, fruit quality, resource-use efficiency, and production sustainability under variable growing conditions. These practices should therefore be selected and adjusted according to local climate, crop requirements, site conditions, and production objectives.
More Papers Like This
Impact of traditional and biodegradable mulching films on plant performance and substrate microbial communities in a small-scale strawberry cultivation
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Researchers compared traditional plastic mulch (the plastic sheeting farmers use to cover soil) with newer biodegradable versions to see how they affect strawberry plants and the helpful microbes living in the soil. This matters because regular plastic mulch breaks down into microplastics that can build up in soil and potentially make their way into our food, so finding a mulch that grows strawberries just as well without leaving lasting plastic waste behind could mean cleaner farmland and fewer microplastics in the food we eat.
Polyethylene and Biodegradable Plastic Mulches for Strawberry Production in the United States: Experiences and Opinions of Growers in Three Regions
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A survey of strawberry growers in three U.S. regions found mixed attitudes toward plastic mulch: it boosts crop yields but creates disposal headaches and environmental concerns. Biodegradable alternatives are gaining interest but face cost and performance barriers in the field.
Life cycle assessment of different strawberry production methods in Germany with a particular focus on plastic emissions
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Researchers conducted a life cycle assessment comparing different strawberry farming methods in Germany, specifically examining the environmental impact of using plastic mulches, tunnels, and covers. They found that while plasticulture improved yields and reduced some environmental impacts per kilogram of fruit, the accidental release of plastic fragments into the soil added a previously unaccounted-for pollution burden. The study demonstrates that including plastic emissions in agricultural environmental assessments can meaningfully change the overall sustainability picture.
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.
Life cycle assessment of biodegradable mulch films in strawberry production under alternative end-of-life scenarios.
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Researchers compared plastic mulch films used to cover strawberry fields, including biodegradable options versus traditional plastic that ends up in landfills. Letting biodegradable films break down right in the soil created the least environmental harm overall, cutting pollution and fossil fuel use compared to landfilling regular plastic. This matters because it points toward farming methods that could reduce plastic waste buildup in soil, potentially lowering the microplastic contamination that ends up in our food and water.
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