High-reflective Mulching Membrane for a Sustainable Development: Monitoring Campaign

Abstract

Modern agriculture techniques are responsible for the production of large volumes of greenhouse gases that represent the main cause of climate change. At the same time, agricultural activities are negatively affected by climate change effects, showing a reduction in productivity. Within this framework, the present study aims at investigating the effectiveness of an innovative high-reflective mulching membrane that can be exploited in the agricultural sector to mitigate its environmental impact. It consists of a mulching membrane coupled to an irrigation system, and painted with bright pigments on the side facing the skydome. This technology was used in food crop farming in the experimental field in Perugia. Sensors for monitoring solar irradiation, rainwater recovery, and phenological parameters were installed. Data collected during the monitoring campaign conducted in summer demonstrated that the high-reflective membrane was capable to increase the ground solar reflectance up to 0.60, while avoiding the utilization of potable water and water from the aquifer to irrigate the crops. An acceleration of the photosynthesis processes was also observed along with an increment in the productivity: tomatoes grew up to 20% more in weight.

Influences of a Highly Reflective Mulching Membrane on Heat Propagation throughout the Soil

“…Water resistance property of such a membrane enables collecting rainwater that is exploited for irrigation purposes. A preliminary investigation has already demonstrated that this can positively influence plant growth [14]. Nonetheless, membrane's influences on plant growth cycle and soil humidity are worth further investigation and they will be assessed in future studies.…”

“…Within this framework, new and more sustainable technologies such as mulching membranes, advanced irrigation systems, water recovery plants, and high-efficiency greenhouse infrastructures were implemented to further enhance the growth process and the yield of food crops, while reducing their ecological footprint [10][11][12]. Highly reflective materials that had been demonstrated to be a valid solution to reduce global temperature [13], were proposed for the agricultural sector [14]. Their cooling potential was assessed at various latitudes [15][16][17].…”

Environmental Assessment of an Innovative High-Performance Experimental Agriculture Field

“…The field comprised 12 beds with 12 plants, each covered by a highly reflective membrane, and two beds without cover, with 12 plants each, for a total surface area of 120 m 2 , with a 15% slope (Figure 1). The high-reflective-mulch-covered area was more extensive because previous experiments required air temperature measurement at different locations, with the uncovered area as a control [7]. The rainwater collected by the membrane was gravity-drained and stored in an underground tank.…”

“…Mulch covers are extensively employed in agriculture. The method helps maintain suitable soil temperature and to control humidity, inhibits erosional processes and nutrient losses, and improves water management [6,7]. Given the widespread application of mulch covers, much research has focused on assessing the environmental impacts of the practice [8][9][10] and developing more sustainable materials for its application [6].…”

“…The system implemented a high reflective mulching membrane that enhanced the culture productivity, while optimizing land and water use. In the campaign described by Manni et al, the mulch improved tomato production by about 20%, contributed to soil temperature control and water management, and increased the incidence of light, while lowering the superficial air temperature [7].…”