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A Comprehensive Review of Polyethylene and Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Health and Plant Growth
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This comprehensive review compares polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films used in agriculture, examining their effects on soil properties, microplastic accumulation, plant growth, and the actual biodegradation performance of certified biodegradable alternatives under field conditions.
Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural practice that involves covering the soil surface with a protective layer of material to improve soil health, conserve moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulches can be organic or inorganic, each offering distinct benefits. Polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films are widely used in agriculture to enhance plant growth, conserve soil moisture, and suppress weeds. PE films, known for their durability and effectiveness, improve crop yields but pose environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradability, leading to soil microplastic accumulation, reduced aeration, and potential chemical contamination. In contrast, BDM films decompose naturally through microbial activity, improving soil health by enhancing microbial diversity, reducing plastic pollution, and maintaining soil structure. Both mulch types contribute to better plant growth, but BDM films offer a sustainable alternative with minimal environmental impact. However, BDM faces challenges such as variable degradation rates and higher initial costs. A shift toward biodegradable alternatives can promote sustainable agriculture by mitigating soil degradation and plastic pollution while ensuring productive crop yields. Future research should focus on improving BDM formulations, assessing long-term impacts on soil health, and making these materials more cost-effective for widespread use.
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This review examines how residues from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films accumulate in agricultural soils and affect plant growth and soil health. Both types of mulch film residues are found to have negative effects on the soil-plant system, raising questions about the environmental safety of biodegradable plastic alternatives.
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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.
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