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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 is a widely adopted agricultural practice that involves covering the soil surface with organic, synthetic, or living materials to optimize crop production, conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, suppress weeds, and enhance soil health. In the context of increasing environmental stresses such as water scarcity, climate variability, and soil degradation, mulching plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable farming practices. This review comprehensively examines the various types of mulching materials, their agronomic, ecological, and environmental effects, and outlines emerging trends and future research directions aimed at advancing mulching technology in climate-resilient and resource-efficient agriculture. Recent innovations such as biodegradable and photodegradable mulches, precision mulching, and integration with conservation agriculture are explored, offering insights into sustainable intensification strategies. Furthermore, challenges related to plastic pollution, mulch management, and socio-economic barriers to adoption are critically discussed.
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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.
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This review examines mulching techniques used in Indian horticulture, covering organic, inorganic, and biodegradable mulch materials along with both traditional and modern application methods. The study highlights the benefits of mulching for soil moisture retention and crop yield while noting environmental concerns, particularly related to plastic film mulches that can break down into microplastic fragments contaminating agricultural soils.
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This review comprehensively assesses biodegradable plastic mulches as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based films in agriculture, examining their soil degradation, effects on microorganisms, weed control efficacy, and soil property impacts.
Plastic mulching in agriculture: agronomic performance, residual film hazards, and green development strategies
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This review summarizes 247 existing studies on plastic mulch films used in farming, covering their benefits for crop growth, pollution from leftover film pieces and microplastics in soil, and recycling challenges. It suggests future work focus on improving film recovery methods and developing biodegradable alternatives.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.