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Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Deep eutectic solvent-mediated extraction of lignin: A novel strategy for producing high-quality biopolymers in controlled-release mulching applications
ClearFunctionalization of slow-release fertilizers and “passive predation microplastics” mechanism for polylactic acid composites
Researchers developed a biodegradable fertilizer film made from polylactic acid (PLA) and modified lignin that can slowly release nutrients while breaking down naturally in soil, offering an alternative to conventional plastic mulch. The study also explored how plants absorb tiny fragments of bio-based plastics, which is important for understanding whether even biodegradable alternatives still pose risks to food safety.
Deep insights into biodegradability mechanism and growth cycle adaptability of polylactic acid/hyperbranched cellulose nanocrystal composite mulch
Researchers developed biodegradable polylactic acid mulch films reinforced with hyperbranched cellulose nanocrystals, demonstrating tunable degradation rates under soil burial, seawater, and UV aging conditions alongside enhanced mechanical strength and crop yield — offering a viable petroleum-free alternative to conventional agricultural plastic mulch.
All-biodegradable soy protein isolate/lignin composite cross-linked by oxidized sucrose as agricultural mulch films for green farming
Researchers developed an all-biodegradable mulch film made from soy protein, lignin, and oxidized sucrose as a green alternative to conventional plastic agricultural films. The film demonstrated improved tensile strength, UV-shielding capability, moisture retention, and controlled fertilizer release properties. Field tests showed higher cabbage seed germination rates compared to traditional polyethylene film, suggesting this bio-based material could reduce microplastic generation from agricultural practices.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
This systematic review evaluates biodegradable mulch as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in farming, which is a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. Switching to biodegradable options could help reduce the buildup of microplastics in the soil where food crops are grown.
Design of a Completely Eco-friendly Mulch Foil for Agricultural Production
This paper reviewed the development of eco-friendly mulch films for agriculture, examining biopolymer and composite alternatives to the 2.5 million tons of polyethylene mulch film used annually, with a focus on materials that degrade in soil without leaving persistent microplastic residues.
Mechanical characterization of blends containing recycled paper pulp and other lignocellulosic materials to develop hydromulches for weed control
Researchers tested 24 blends of recycled paper pulp mixed with agricultural byproducts like wheat straw and rice hulls to create biodegradable mulch films that suppress weeds without plastic. The best-performing blends reduced weed seedling emergence by up to 96%, offering a plastic-free alternative to conventional agricultural plastic films.
On the quest for novel bio-degradable plastics for agricultural field mulching
This review examined the challenge of developing biodegradable plastic mulch materials suitable for agricultural use, noting that plasticulture consumes about 6.7 million tons of plastic annually, most of which cannot be practically recycled. The authors assessed candidate biodegradable polymers based on their degradation rates in soil, mechanical performance, and cost.
Effect of mulching on soil properties, microbial diversity and activities, and crop yield
Researchers examined mulching materials including plastic films and biodegradable hemp fiber alternatives, finding that plastic mulch leaves persistent microplastic fragments in soil with poorly understood consequences, while plant fiber bio-canvas offers a promising biodegradable substitute for weed control.
Methodology development: evaluation of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blends for biodegradable mulch
Researchers developed a methodology for formulating and characterizing biodegradable PLA/PBAT mulch films as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch that contributes to microplastic pollution in agriculture. The proposed approach covers scalable formulation, processing, and comprehensive characterization aligned with regulatory guidelines and industry standards for biodegradable mulch performance.
Investigating the Degradation of Biodegradable Mulch Films in Agricultural Soil: A Molecular Approach
Researchers investigated the field degradation of biodegradable mulch films composed of starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) over 16 months under Mediterranean climate conditions, using molecular methods to characterize how pristine and UV-aged films break down in agricultural soil.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
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.
Investigation of the Protective Function of a Lignin Coating of Natural Fiber Geotextiles against Biodegradation
Researchers investigated whether lignin coatings can protect natural fiber geotextiles from soil degradation and UV-driven breakdown, finding that lignin treatment can extend the functional lifespan of biodegradable geotextiles as a more sustainable alternative to synthetic ones.
Cross-linked Cellulose Ester/Linseed Oil Composites for Controlled Release Fertilizers
Researchers developed cross-linked cellulose ester and linseed oil composites for use as controlled-release fertilizers, offering a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastic-coated fertilizers that shed microplastics into agricultural soils.
Fabrication of Lignin/Pbat Biodegradable Plastics Films via Reactive Extrusion and Their Thermal, Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties
Researchers developed biodegradable films made from poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and lignin as a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene packaging films. Replacing fossil-fuel-based plastic films with biodegradable alternatives could reduce the microplastic pollution that results from conventional plastic film degradation in the environment.
Improvement of crop and soil management practices through mulching for enhancement of soil fertility and environmental sustainability: A review
This review examined mulching practices in agriculture as a strategy for improving soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields, while also noting that plastic mulch films generate persistent microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. The authors discussed biodegradable mulch alternatives and best management practices for reducing plastic residues.
In situ degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch in Nordic agricultural soils
Nordic field studies tracked the in situ degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch films under cold, wet, low-UV conditions, finding that degradation was far slower than under the warm conditions where biodegradable plastics perform as designed, raising concerns about persistence in northern agricultural soils.
A biodegradable oxidized starch/carboxymethyl chitosan film coated with pesticide-loaded ZIF-8 for tomato fusarium wilt control
Researchers developed a biodegradable mulch film made from starch and chitosan that can replace traditional polyethylene plastic films used in farming. The new film releases a fungicide slowly to protect tomato plants from disease, breaks down naturally in soil, and is safe for earthworms. This offers a practical solution to reduce the massive amount of microplastic pollution caused by conventional plastic mulch films left in agricultural soils.
Modification of walnut shell lignin nanoparticles through deep eutectic solvent for application in active food packaging films
Researchers developed a biodegradable food packaging film from walnut shell waste that blocks UV light, inhibits bacteria, and extends the shelf life of fresh food. This type of renewable packaging could help reduce the microplastic pollution generated by conventional plastic food wrap, which is a significant source of tiny plastic particles that end up in our food.
Revalorization of Yerba Mate Residues: Biopolymers-Based Films of Dual Wettability as Potential Mulching Materials
This is not about microplastics — it is a materials science study developing biodegradable mulching films from Yerba Mate agricultural residues, cellulose nanofibers, chitosan, and polylactic acid, aimed at replacing conventional plastic mulch films with a compostable alternative.
Soil Bioplastic Mulches for Agroecosystem Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review
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.
Structurally engineered cellulose-based mulch film with enhanced hydrophobicity and strength for green agriculture
This paper develops a cellulose-based mulch film coated with starch and a silane compound to mimic the strength and water resistance of conventional plastic agricultural film, achieving a water contact angle of 128 degrees (up from 16 degrees for untreated cellulose) and complete biodegradation in soil within 56 days. Unlike polyethylene mulch films that fragment into persistent microplastics in farmland, this material decomposes within a crop growing cycle, offering a practical biodegradable alternative for agriculture.
Environmental risk of multi-year polythene film mulching and its green solution in arid irrigation region
Researchers found that 19 years of polythene film mulching accumulated up to 2,900 microplastic particles per kilogram of soil along with elevated plasticizer concentrations, and demonstrated that biodegradable film alternatives could significantly reduce this environmental contamination.
Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
This systematic review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down over time and release microplastics into farm soil. The films improve crop growth but create lasting environmental damage as plastic fragments accumulate and alter soil properties. The findings underscore the importance of developing truly biodegradable alternatives to protect farmland from microplastic pollution.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
Researchers assessed residual characteristics of macroplastics, microplastics, and phthalate plasticizers in agricultural soils under different plastic film mulching treatments over a three-year field experiment, comparing traditional PE film with three types of biodegradable mulch and a no-mulch control. The study examined whether biodegradable film substitution effectively reduces soil plastic and PAE residual pollution.