Biodegradable agroplastics in 21st century horticulture

Abstract

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.

Comparative Investigation on the Soil Burial Degradation Behaviour of Polymer Films for Agriculture before and after Photo-Oxidation

“…The recycling is more complicated for the mulch films as their very low thickness (15-50 micron) implies many difficulties during their washing and the fragmentation. For these films, then, the use of biodegradable, compostable polymers could be a good opportunity [3,4]. The films are mixed with the soil and buried in the ground during the ploughing.…”

Biodegradable Raffia as a Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternative to Improve the Management of Agricultural Waste Biomass

“…The studies emphasize the reduction of plastic waste and the possibility of using them as one of the main advantages in the use of biodegradable materials in agricultural applications [82,83]. The reduction of harmful environmental impacts and the increased sustainability of production are highlighted by this research [41][42][43]45,[84][85][86][87]. Although these studies mention the multiple benefits of using biodegradable materials in agriculture, there are also challenges and restrictions in its implementation due to the need to improve the quality of these products and its high cost compared to conventional materials [86,[88][89][90].…”

“…According to this scientific research, one of the most studied topics since 1993 has been the replacement of polyethylene plastic covers, films and/or mulches with others of biodegradable materials. These materials are derived from biopolymers, carbon ashes, corn and wheat starch, and agricultural waste [41][42][43]45,[77][78][79]. Many of these studies are based on previous tests and they show relevant data on the characteristics, properties, advantages, and limitations on the use of biodegradable plastic in agriculture.…”

“…Plastic materials manufactured from polypropylene (PP) have been broadly studied and their negative impacts on the environment and human health have been clearly identified [41][42][43][44]113,124,125]. The negative impacts result from the manufacturing process [121,126], during the use and management stages in the greenhouses, and in the final disposal phase of this material in Almería.…”

“…Main problems related to the use of non-biodegradable raffia. Source: Prepared by the authors from[33,[41][42][43][44]63,71,76,96,100,101,121,122,124,125].…”