Performance of Bio-Based polymeric agricultural mulch films

Abstract

In order to improve yields and crop traits, polymeric films are commonly used to cover soils like agricultural mulches. Its use provides important benefits to farmers and the environment, as they maintain humidity, temperature and prevent the growth of weeds. However, the most widely used mulches are mainly made of low-density polyethylene. The use of PE films or other non-biodegradable polymers present great environmental and economic disadvantages for responsible farmers, who must remove them before the next crop period. The objective of this chapter is to discuss the main properties presented by the biodegradable and bio-based materials that have recently been proposed for this application, what is their effect on the yields of different crops in which they have been tested, as well as their biodegradation time and their effect on the soil quality will also be analyzed. Finally, based on these findings and the recently approved new standard for biodegradable agricultural mulches, the materials that will set trends in the future will be remarked.