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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Effect of Biodegradable Mulch and Different Synthetic Mulches on Growth and Yield of Field-Grown Small-Fruited Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
ClearBiodegradable Mulching Film vs. Traditional Polyethylene: Effects on Yield and Quality of San Marzano Tomato Fruits
A two-year field trial comparing biodegradable mulching film to conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for San Marzano tomato production found that both mulch types produced equivalent yield increases (25%) and improvements in fruit quality compared to bare soil. Biodegradable film began degrading in the field between 71 and 104 days after transplanting, making it a viable alternative that avoids end-of-life plastic waste. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with biodegradable alternatives could significantly reduce the agricultural microplastic burden entering soils globally.
Alternative Mulches for Sustainable Greenhouse Tomato Production
Researchers evaluated three mulch types — polyethylene, straw, and biodegradable biopolymers — compared to non-mulched controls in a Mediterranean greenhouse over two years of organic tomato production, measuring soil moisture, temperature, physicochemical properties, crop yield, and weed control. They found that biodegradable biopolymer mulches offered comparable agronomic performance to polyethylene while avoiding plastic residue accumulation in soil.
Fresh-marketable tomato yields enhanced by moderate weed control and suppressed fruit dehiscence with woodchip mulching
Researchers found that mulberry woodchip mulch enhanced fresh-marketable tomato yields and reduced fruit dehiscence compared to plastic film mulch, supporting the use of organic alternatives to reduce agricultural plastic pollution.
Testing Biodegradable Films as Alternatives to Plastic-Film Mulching for Enhancing the Yield and Economic Benefits of Processed Tomato in Xinjiang Region
Biodegradable mulch films were tested against conventional plastic mulch in processed tomato fields in Xinjiang, China, with results showing comparable yields while substantially reducing plastic residue accumulation in soil.
The effect of adding residual humic acid biodegradable film on agronomic performance of potted tomato under greenhouse conditions
Researchers investigated the effects of incorporating residual humic acid biodegradable film into soil on the agronomic performance of potted tomatoes grown under greenhouse conditions. The study examined how the degradation of biodegradable plastic mulch film and associated humic acid residues influences soil environment quality and vegetable crop growth.
Fresh-marketable tomato yields enhanced by moderate weed control and suppressed fruit dehiscence with woodchip mulching
Researchers examined the effects of mulberry woodchip mulch as a plastic film alternative on tomato yields over two successive years, comparing woodchip mulch, weed-free, and unweeded treatments, and found that moderate weed control via woodchip mulching enhanced fresh-marketable yields while also suppressing fruit dehiscence. The study supports organic mulching as a more sustainable agroecosystem practice that reduces plastic film use.
Biodegradable Mulch for Vegetable Production. A Review
This review examined biodegradable plastic mulches as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch films in vegetable production, summarizing yield benefits and degradation performance. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with truly biodegradable alternatives could reduce the large amounts of agricultural microplastics shed by mulch film fragmentation.
A Comparative Plant Growth Study of a Sprayable, Degradable Polyester–Urethane–Urea Mulch and Two Commercial Plastic Mulches
Researchers compared a new biodegradable sprayable mulch film with conventional polyethylene mulches in a greenhouse tomato growing trial. They found that the biodegradable polyester-urethane-urea film provided similar water savings and crop yields as traditional plastic mulches while avoiding the environmental drawbacks of persistent plastic residues. The study suggests that sprayable biodegradable mulches could be a viable alternative to reduce microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
Impact of buried debris from agricultural biodegradable plastic mulches on two horticultural crop plants: Tomato and lettuce
Field-weathered biodegradable plastic mulch debris was added to soil in mesocosm experiments with tomato and lettuce to assess phytotoxicity. Field-weathered fragments caused different effects on plant growth than pristine or artificially weathered materials, with implications for how biodegradable mulches should be tested and regulated for agricultural safety.
Biodegradable plastic mulch films increase yield and promote nitrogen use efficiency in organic horticulture
Researchers tested biodegradable plastic mulch films in organic lettuce production and found they increased crop yields while improving how efficiently plants used nitrogen from organic fertilizers. The biodegradable films performed comparably to conventional polyethylene mulch in weed suppression and soil warming benefits. The study suggests biodegradable mulch could be a practical tool for organic farmers, avoiding the plastic waste problem of traditional film mulches.
The Use of Biodegradable Mulches in Pepper Production in the Southeastern United States
Researchers evaluated biodegradable mulch films as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch for pepper production in the southeastern United States, finding that certain biodegradable materials achieved comparable yields while reducing plastic waste and disposal costs.
Effects of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Tomato Yield and Economic Performance
This paper is not about microplastics; it is a field trial comparing organic farming practices and soil management strategies for processing tomato cultivation.
Degradation characteristics of biodegradable film and its effects on soil nutrients in tillage layer, growth and development of taro and yield formation
Researchers compared three types of biodegradable plastic mulch films (PBAT, PCO2, PPC) to conventional plastic mulch in taro farming over two growing seasons, finding all three biodegradable options improved crop yield versus no mulch at all. The biodegradable films also influenced soil nutrient levels differently, with PBAT degrading fastest and PCO2 showing the strongest positive effects on plant growth.
A Comprehensive Review of Polyethylene and Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Health and Plant Growth
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.
Performance of Biodegradable Biochar-Added and Bio-Based Plastic Clips for Growing Tomatoes
Researchers evaluated biodegradable biochar-infused and bio-based plastic clips used for supporting tomato plants in commercial horticulture, comparing their performance and degradation to conventional plastic clips. Biochar addition improved mechanical strength of the biodegradable clips and did not harm tomato plant growth or yield over the growing season.
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.
Impact of plastic mulch film debris on soil physicochemical and hydrological properties
This study compared low-density polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films in agricultural soils, finding that both types left plastic residues that altered soil water infiltration, aggregate stability, and other physicochemical properties relevant to crop productivity.
Use of biodegradable plastic film mulch over three years of organic horticultural production promotes yield but does not affect soil organic matter content
A three-year organic horticultural field study found that biodegradable plastic film mulch promoted crop yields but did not significantly affect soil organic matter content, suggesting that while BDM improves productivity through improved hydrothermal conditions, increased crop residue returns offset SOM losses from faster decomposition.
The Effects of Biodegradable Mulch Film on the Growth, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton and Maize in an Arid Region
Biodegradable mulch film maintained crop growth and water use efficiency comparable to conventional polyethylene film in Chinese cotton and maize fields for the first 60 days, then began to degrade. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with biodegradable alternatives could reduce microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
Feasibility Study on the Application of Biodegradable Plastic Film in Farmland Soil in Southern Xinjiang, China—Planting Tomatoes as an Example
This study assessed whether biodegradable PBAT mulch film could replace conventional polyethylene film in tomato farming in southern Xinjiang, China, finding that PBAT supported comparable crop growth while beginning to degrade in the soil. However, the work raises a relevant consideration for microplastic research: as biodegradable films fragment before fully mineralising, they may generate microplastic-like particles that warrant further study in agricultural soils.