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.
The paper presents the results of research on the production by means of arc spraying of composite coatings from the Fe-Al system with participation of in-situ intermetallic phases. The arc spraying process was carried out by simultaneously melting two different electrode wires, aluminum and steel. The aim of the research is to create protective coatings with a composite structure with a significant participation of FexAly as an intermetallic phases reinforcement. The synthesis of intermetallic phases takes place during the (in-situ) spraying process. Currently most coatings involving intermetallic phases are manufactured by different thermal spraying methods using coating materials in the form of prefabricated powders containing intermetallic phases. The obtained results showed the local occurrence of intermetallic phases from the Fe-Al system, and the dominant components of the structure have two phases, aluminum solid solutions in iron and iron in aluminum. The participation of intermetallic phases in the coating is relatively low, but its effect on the properties of the coating material is significant.
During this two-year experiment (2008)(2009)(2010), the 'Kenton' leek cultivar was grown in the field from July to March/April of the following year. During the winter months the plants were kept under biodegradable nonwoven covers (Bionolle -polybutylene succinate, 59 and 100 g m -2 ). The control treatments were left uncovered. Some cracks and tears in the biodegradable nonwoven covers were observed. The covers resulted in better leek yields. In the first season the bleached parts of the leek contained more ascorbic acid when kept under the Bionolle 100 g m -2 cover. The lighter nonwoven (59 g m -2 ) cover caused a grater accumulation of soluble sugars. Biodegradable films, used in the winter cultivation of leek, increased the soil temperature by 1°C on average.
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