The paper is a review of the literature on the application of biodegradable materials (agroplastics) in modern agriculture, and particularly in horticulture. Agroplastics are used within the so-called plasticulture system-in mulches, different forms of plant covers, pots for seedlings, strings, and other materials. Although they leave behind a considerable amount of waste, their recycling has been implemented in only some European countries. The positive solution of this environmental problem lies in propagation and implementation of biodegradable plastics in agricultural practice. In order to achieve this, a clear system of classification and assessment has been introduced in the European Union. Results of experiments with biodegradable plastics applications as soil and plant covers, and their impact on the environment are presented.
There is a great need to assess the impact of farming methods on soil fertility, especially in specific ecoregions. In Poland, relatively limited research has been conducted on soil quality and fertility in organic, dynamically developing agricultural systems. A comparative study on soil parameters under organic and conventional cultivation was performed in 2009. Twenty-two pairs (organic-conventional) of fields located in the south and east of Poland were chosen. All organic sites were certified. The following field crops were investigated: apple, pear, blackcurrant, carrot, beetroot, and celery. The soil granulometric composition, total organic content, total nitrogen, as well as the content of available macroelements (P, K, Ca, Mg, S), microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, B), and trace elements (Cd and Pb) were measured. The organic farm soils had a higher level of the total organic matter (2.02%) than the conventional (1.75%). The organic system increased the total soil N level in celery and beetroot fields. Low or very low concentrations of available P in organically managed orchards were observed in individual farms, whereas excessive soil P amounts were noted for organic beetroot and celery fields. Differences in soil K concentration caused by the farming system were found only for red beet. Ca concentration was higher in the conventional than in the organic soil only for celery. There was a higher soil available Cu concentration for all of the investigated conventional vegetable fields than for the organic. The reverse was true for the apple and blackcurrant farms. The highest levels of Cd and Pb were noted in soils sampled from some organic celery fields.
Green roofs are becoming increasingly common practice of the urban sustainable environment. The growing substrate is the most important part of green-roof technology. The cost of engineering substrates can be reduced by using locally available components. Since green roofs are a relatively new concept in Poland, there is a need to examine substrate compositions and characteristics, including commonly used ingredients as well as alternative recycled/waste materials. The aim of our study was to assess the ability of locally sourced waste materials as roof-growing media amendments. In the greenhouse experiment we tested two grass and herb species mixtures and four waste substrate formulas. The locally disposed waste materials used as components of growing media included silica wastes (byproducts of metallic ferrosilicon alloys), cellulose, foundry sand, and organic waste material removed from the organic horizons of mucky peat. The engineered Si-waste substrates were compared with the commercially available media. The physico-chemical properties of components and substrates, their stability over time, and the influence on plant growth and mineral nutrient status were examined. Particle size distribution, bulk density, mass, water capacity, soil reaction, and total dissolved salt content of Si-waste-growing media were compatible with FLL standards. We found low amounts of available P and K, and high concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, and trace elements (with the exception of B) in Si-waste substrates in comparison with the control media. Silica waste materials have the potential to maintain pH with high buffering capacity. Engineered Si-waste substrates had a positive impact on plant growth and biomass. In general, these results indicate that contaminant elements contained in alkaline Si-waste substrates were not easily available to the root system, and consequently they did not restrict plant growth. We consider Si-wastes to be a valuable and environmentally responsible green roof media amendment.
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