We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Impact of Cellulose and PLA Biopolymer Nonwoven Mulches on the Soil Health
Summary
Biodegradable nonwoven mulches made from PLA fibers significantly reduced soil bacterial populations because they trapped heat and raised soil temperature, while mulches made from regenerated viscose (a cellulose-based fiber) had a lesser effect. The results caution against assuming that bioplastic agricultural films are benign for soil health, as thermal effects may harm beneficial soil microbes independently of chemical degradation.
The nonwoven mulches produced from regenerated viscose and PLA fibres as well as conventional agro foil were placed on the soil by randomly arranged blocks of four replication plots. After 50 days, the soil samples beneath each mulch and on the control field were collected, where the bacteria and fungi population as well as the physio-chemical properties of the soil were measured. The severe reduction in bacterial population in soil under the agro foil and mulches made of PLA fibres occurs due to the prevalence of high soil temperature. The bacterial population of soil beneath the mulches made of viscose fibre significantly increased due to favourable anaerobic conditions, respectively soil temperature and moisture. Under all mulches, compared to the control field, a higher fungal population was observed. The fungal population under the nonwoven mulch produced by viscose fibres was 161% higher in comparison to the control field. The available nutrient contents of soils under the nonwoven mulches were higher compared to the control field. The control field showed higher available nutrient contents of soil than the field covered by conventional agro foil. The results of the study reveal that usage of nonwoven mulches made of viscose fibres is most appropriate for short-term mulching application since successfully increases microbial population and improves the physio-chemical properties of soil.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Performance and Degradation of Nonwoven Mulches Made of Natural Fibres and PLA Polymer—Open Field Study
Researchers tested biodegradable nonwoven mulches made from jute, hemp, viscose, and PLA biopolymer as alternatives to conventional plastic mulches in a 300-day field study. The study found varying rates of degradation depending on material composition and assessed their effectiveness for weed suppression, soil temperature regulation, and moisture retention compared to traditional plastic films.
Impact of Polylactic Acid Fibers in Cellulose Nonwoven Mulch Blends on Biodegradability and Performance—An Open Field Study
This field study tested biodegradable nonwoven mulches made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, and viscose as alternatives to traditional plastic agricultural film. Researchers found that adding polylactic acid (PLA) fibers to the blends slowed degradation, which could help the mulches last longer during the growing season but may delay their complete breakdown in soil.
Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Functions
This review examines how biodegradable plastic mulch films affect soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions compared to conventional polyethylene mulches. Researchers found that while biodegradable films avoid the problem of permanent plastic accumulation, their breakdown products can still alter soil microbiomes and carbon cycling in ways that are not yet fully understood. The study highlights the need for long-term field research to determine whether biodegradable mulches are truly a sustainable alternative for agriculture.
Microplastics from agricultural mulch films: a threat to growth promoting abilities of bacteria?
Researchers tested how microplastics shed from agricultural plastic mulch films affect soil bacteria that promote plant growth, finding that mulch-derived microplastics reduced the abundance and activity of key plant growth-promoting bacteria. The results suggest agricultural plastic use could undermine soil health and crop productivity.
Effect of Long-Term Biodegradable Film Mulch on Soil Physicochemical and Microbial Properties
Long-term use of biodegradable mulch film was compared to conventional plastic and no-mulch controls in terms of soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, with results showing that biodegradable mulch altered soil structure and microbial diversity in ways differing from both conventional plastic and bare soil. The findings raise questions about the cumulative effects of biodegradable plastic residues on agricultural soil health.