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Risk and uncertainty of plastic mulch adoption in raspberry production systems
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This study examines the risk and uncertainty landscape facing the processed raspberry industry as it considers adopting plastic mulch, using semi-structured interviews with growers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to characterize the types of risk and decision-making processes involved in adopting a novel production technique with environmental implications.
Abstract Agriculture plays a central role in providing food security and essential goods globally. Producers must consider and manage risk to ensure that the production system and its associated individuals are capable of enduring unexpected and disruptive events. Analyzing the different types of risk and accompanying uncertainties that growers experience can be essential to better reflect and understand the realities of their circumstances, but these concepts are not always accounted for in the adoption process. Drawing on the importance of risk and uncertainty, this study aims to assess the different types of risk and uncertainties involved in the risk decision-making process of the processed raspberry industry, where plastic mulch is a new production technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants involved in the use, research, outreach, manufacturing, and distribution of plastic mulch, specifically polyethylene (PE) mulch and soil-biodegradable mulch (BDM). Findings indicate that risk can be present in various forms including production, price, and hidden risks, with production and price risks being the most significant to all participants. When accounting for overall risk, PE mulch was considered riskier to industry representatives but less risky to growers and most research and outreach specialists. BDM was considered risky due to the uncertainties about durability, degradability, and the unknown impacts on the environment if BDM fragments do not degrade readily. The application of PE mulch and/or BDM can be beneficial for the raspberry production systems but will require time for additional research and effort to disseminate information to a wider agricultural audience.
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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.
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Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies on biodegradable mulch film as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in agriculture. The study found that despite growing research interest, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding biodegradation rates in real field conditions and potential ecotoxicity of degradation byproducts. The analysis suggests it is premature to promote large-scale adoption of biodegradable mulch film without further evidence of its environmental safety.
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