Effect of Long-Term Biodegradable Film Mulch on Soil Physicochemical and Microbial Properties

Abstract

Biodegradable mulches have become the focus of attention, as pollution caused by leftover plastic mulch material becomes increasingly severe. However, the impact of biodegradable mulches to the soil needs to be further investigated. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of no-mulch, biodegradable film mulch (BM) and polyethylene film mulch (PM) on the soil’s physical, chemical and biological properties after six years (2013–2019) of mulching in garlic growing season in a garlic-maize rotation. Results showed that the soil bulk density of the 10–20 cm soil layer under BM decreased by 12.09–17.17% compared with that under PM. The soil total nitrogen content increased significantly by 14.75–28.37%, and the soil available phosphorus and potassium content increased by 64.20% and 108.82%, respectively. In addition, BM increased the soil’s microbial, soil urease, and soil catalase activities compared with those for PM. To sum up, BM can reduce soil bulk density, and long-term use of BM does not cause a decrease in soil nutrient content and microbial activity. On the contrary, it can improve soil quality. This study helps accumulate data for the environmental safety evaluation of BM and provides theoretical and technical support for the large-scale promotion of biodegradable mulches.

Influence of selected grass mulches on soil physical properties under sprinkler irrigation system

“…From the results, mulching with 15 cm Kachala grass performed better than the other treatments in improving the soil bulk density, which could be as a result of a better ground coverage by the Kachala grass coupled with higher mulching depth, which reduces the effect of compaction, caused by the impact of sprinkler water droplets. This is consistent with some studies such as [15,16,17] who have also shown that mulches can insignificantly improve the bulk density of soil. This indicates that using the mulches, especially Kachala grass with 15 cm depth as mulching material tends to improve the soil bulk density.…”

Towards a Sustainable Future: Advancing an Integrated Approach for the Recycling and Valorization of Agricultural Plastics

“…The use of such alternative materials has increased over the years. Several studies have demonstrated the advantages of the use of biopolymers over the use of standard synthetic polymers [ 6 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. However, considering the limitations of biopolymers in terms of mechanical, chemical, and environmental resistance, the use of biomaterials may be restricted to only a few applications; most commonly mulching.…”

Innovative approach of biodegradable mulches in sustainable agriculture for crop production and environmental conservation

“…As a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic mulches in agriculture, biodegradable mulch has grown in favour. Several agricultural activities, including managing weeds, retention of humidity, regulating temperatures, soil wellness, crop yield and quality, can benefit from the application of biodegradable mulch [13,7,14,15,16]. It may assist with control soil temperature, creating an environment that is conducive to plant growth, as well as can help maintain soil moisture, minimizing the need for treatment [13].…”

“…It may assist with control soil temperature, creating an environment that is conducive to plant growth, as well as can help maintain soil moisture, minimizing the need for treatment [13]. It can improve soil physicochemical and microbiological characteristics [14] and additionally encourage microbial activity and nutrient cycling [16]. It has the ability to boost agricultural yields and enhance crop quality [15].…”