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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Straw Return with Biodegradable Film Mulch: A Synergistic Cultivation Measure with Environmental and Economic Benefits Based on Life Cycle Assessment
ClearDegradable film mulching increases soil carbon sequestration in major Chinese dryland agroecosystems
Researchers compared biodegradable and conventional plastic film mulches used in farming and found that biodegradable films increased carbon storage in soil while traditional plastic mulch reduced it, suggesting that switching to biodegradable alternatives could help fight climate change while cutting 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 effects of biodegradable mulch film on the growth, yield, and water use efficiency of cotton and maize in an arid region
Researchers compared biodegradable and conventional plastic mulch films in Chinese agriculture, finding that biodegradable films improved water use efficiency and crop yield comparably to conventional plastic while reducing long-term plastic accumulation in soil. Degradable mulch films represent a promising strategy to reduce agricultural microplastic pollution.
Rice Cultivation under Film Mulching Can Improve Soil Environment and Be Beneficial for Rice Production in China
This review examines the benefits and drawbacks of growing rice under plastic film mulch in China, which improves water efficiency and yield but contributes to microplastic contamination of agricultural soil. While degradable films and organic fertilizers offer partial solutions, long-term plastic residue in farmland remains a concern. The study highlights the tension between agricultural productivity and the risk of microplastic pollution entering the food supply through soil.
Impact of Management Strategies on Reducing of Mulching Film Residues Pollution in Arid Regions
Researchers examined the impact of different management strategies — including increased polyethylene film recycling rates and adoption of biodegradable mulch films — on reducing mulching film residue pollution in arid agricultural regions. The study found that combining recycling incentives with biodegradable film adoption significantly reduced soil plastic accumulation, supporting sustainable agricultural development in water-limited dryland farming systems.
Plastic mulching in agriculture. Trading short-term agronomic benefits for long-term soil degradation?
This study examined plastic mulch use in agriculture, arguing that short-term crop benefits come with long-term costs as mulch fragments accumulate in soil as microplastics and disrupt soil structure, biology, and water dynamics.
Sustainable Plasticulture in Chinese Agriculture: a Review of Challenges and Routes to Achieving Long-term Food and Ecosecurity
This review examines the challenges of plasticulture in Chinese agriculture, where macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution from mulch films threatens long-term soil health and crop production. The authors propose holistic solutions targeting plastic production, use, and waste management to protect food security.
Effects of Different Mulch Types on Farmland Soil Moisture in an Artificial Oasis Area
Not relevant to microplastics — this study compares how different mulch materials (including conventional polyethylene plastic films) affect soil moisture retention in an arid farming region of China, focusing on water management rather than plastic fragmentation or microplastic contamination.
Optimized Farmland Mulching Improves Rainfed Maize Productivity by Regulating Soil Temperature and Phenology on the Loess Plateau in China
A field experiment on the Loess Plateau found that combining plastic film mulch with straw mulch regulated soil temperature and extended the grain-filling period of rainfed maize, preventing premature senescence and improving yields. The study highlights a trade-off in dryland agriculture: plastic mulch conserves moisture but overheats soil, while novel double-mulching patterns can mitigate the temperature problem while still relying on plastic film.
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.
Effects of Biodegradable Plastic Film Mulching on the Global Warming Potential, Carbon Footprint, and Economic Benefits of Garlic Production
Researchers compared the environmental and economic impacts of biodegradable plastic film mulching versus conventional plastic film mulching for garlic production. They found that biodegradable film increased methane absorption but also raised nitrous oxide emissions compared to conventional plastic. The study suggests that biodegradable mulching films can reduce the carbon footprint and improve economic returns in garlic farming while avoiding the long-term soil contamination associated with conventional plastic films.
Effects of Mulching on Maize Yield and Evapotranspiration in the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China
This study examined how plastic film mulching affects maize yield and water use in northwest China's Heihe River Basin, finding that mulching increases yields and reduces evaporation. However, widespread plastic mulch use is also a major source of microplastic pollution in agricultural soils.
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.
Agricultural plastic films reshape soil microplastic distribution, nitrogen cycle and ecological risks in facility agriculture
Researchers compared microplastic characteristics in protected agriculture systems and traditional farmland soils in China, finding significantly higher microplastic abundance in mulched farmland and documenting correlations between microplastic presence and altered soil nitrogen cycling and heavy metal distribution.
Effects of different mulch materials on the photosynthetic characteristics, yield, and soil water use efficiency of wheat in Loess tableland
Not relevant to microplastics — this agricultural study compares different mulching materials (including plastic film) on wheat yield and water use efficiency in the Loess Plateau of China, with no focus on microplastic pollution from plastic mulch.
How to incentivize farmers to adopt and recycle high-standard plastic mulch in China: economic subsidies, government regulations or social norms?
A survey of 635 farmers in Gansu Province, China assessed drivers of high-standard plastic mulch adoption and recycling, finding that economic subsidies were more effective than government mandates or social norms in encouraging environmentally responsible mulch management.
Environmental impact of biodegradable and non-biodegradable agricultural mulch film: A case study for Nordic conditions
This life cycle assessment compared the environmental impacts of biodegradable and non-biodegradable agricultural mulch films under Nordic growing conditions. Researchers found that biodegradable mulch films are not necessarily more environmentally friendly overall, as their production and degradation characteristics can offset potential benefits depending on the specific impact categories considered.
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.
Analysis of Carbon Reduction Benefits of Ecological Plastic Film Promotion and Use in Qingcheng Town, Shanxi Province
Researchers applied life cycle assessment using SimaPro software to calculate the carbon footprint of ecological plastic mulch film compared to conventional 0.01 mm PE film in Qingcheng Town, Shanxi Province, China. Results showed ecological film reduced carbon emissions by 30.8-40.0% without humus substitution, rising to 70.2-74.2% when humus replacement of chemical fertilisers was factored in, with the largest reductions occurring during final treatment.
The persistently breaking trade-offs of three-decade plastic film mulching: Microplastic pollution, soil degradation and reduced cotton yield
A study of cotton fields in northwest China with 3-32 years of continuous plastic mulch use found that microplastic abundance in soil increased exponentially with mulching duration, while soil physical properties degraded and cotton root traits and yields declined in heavily mulched plots. The results challenge the assumed economic trade-off of plastic mulching, suggesting decades of cumulative MP pollution eventually costs more in yield than it provides in early-season benefits.