Biodegradable Mulch for Vegetable Production. A Review

From a crop production perspective, plastic mulches can increase yields. The use of plastic mulch in agriculture has increased dramatically in the last 10 years throughout the world. This increase is due to benefits such as increase in soil temperature, reduced weed pressure, moisture conservation, reduction of certain insect pests, higher crop yields, and more efficient use of soil nutrients. Also mulching with plastic mulch is used commonly on large scale it remains 15% -20% moisture conservation because, mulching with plastic materials that cover the soil creates a physical barrier to soil water evaporation. Plastic pollution in agricultural soils, caused by the incomplete removal of polyethylene mulch after usage, is a growing environmental concern. Where, Current polyethylene plastic mulch film is not biodegradable and therefore cannot be plowed back into the soil. This causes irreparable harm to ecosystems and the habitats. However, disposing of used plastic films, which cause pollution, has led to development of photodegradable and biodegradable mulches (BDMs). There has therefore been increased interest in biodegradable plastic mulches as alternative to polyethylene mulch; completely soil-biodegradable plastics or compostable plastics offer an environmentally responsible end-of-life solution for plastic mulch film and plasticulture products. Using alternative biodegradable materials as covers has been of increasing interest in recent years. However, little is known about their impact on soil health. Here we review the use of plastic mulches in agriculture, with special reference to biodegradable mulches.