Polyethylene and biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: a review

• Published in: Agronomy for sustainable development Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 501 - 529
• Main Authors: Kasirajan, Subrahmaniyan, Ngouajio, Mathieu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Paris Springer-Verlag 01.04.2012; EDP Sciences; Springer Verlag/EDP Sciences/INRA
• Subjects: additives; Agricultural sciences; Agriculture; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; bioactive properties; biodegradable products; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; carbon dioxide; composite polymers; composts; crop yield; Cropping systems. Cultivation. Soil tillage; Ecology, environment; edaphic factors; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; innovation adoption; insect pests; lactic acid; Life Sciences; microbial activity; microclimate; organic production; pest management; petroleum; plastic film; plastic film mulches; plastics; pollution; polyethylene; Protected cultivation; Review Article; soil fertility; soil nutrients; Soil Science & Conservation; soil temperature; Soilless cultures. Protected cultivation; Sustainable Development; Tending. Growth control; Tillage. Tending. Growth control; weeds; Biodegradation; Plastic mulch; Plasticulture; Polymers; Biodegradable mulch; Polyethylene; Biodegradability; Polymer; Protected cultivation; Review; Plastic mulching; Agronomy; Agriculture; Application

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...