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Soil Bioplastic Mulches for Agroecosystem Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review
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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.
The use of plastic mulch films is widespread in agriculture for specialty cropping systems because of several benefits. In this article, we critically review, for the first time under a holistic approach, the use of biodegradable plastic mulches (BdPMs) in soil as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, highlighting the current state of understanding of their degradation in soil and their effect on soil microorganisms, weed control, and soil properties. In addition, we provide a detailed focus on the history and economic importance of mulching. BdPMs are effective for use in vegetable production in that they improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, as well as enhancing microbial biodiversity, controlling weeds, and maintaining soil moisture. BdPMs could be useful to limit the use of agrochemicals and reduce tillage and irrigation supplies for sustainable management.
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Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Functions
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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.
Impacts of Biodegradable Mulch: Benefits, Degradation, and Residue Effects on Soil Properties and Plant Growth
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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.
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.
Are biodegradable mulch films a sustainable solution to microplastic mulch film pollution? A biogeochemical perspective
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This review asks whether biodegradable mulch films are truly a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films used in agriculture. Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics may actually accumulate more readily in soil than traditional microplastics because they require specific conditions to fully break down. The study warns that biodegradable films could alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, microbial communities, and greenhouse gas emissions in ways not yet fully understood.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
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Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
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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.