Farmers lay mulch in the field right before seeding or planting (Fig. 1) to control weeds,conserve soil moisture and get several other benefits during the crop growing season. Mulchthat is…
Applying Biodegradable Mulches
Biodegradation: A Primer
Biodegradation is the action of microorganisms to decompose asubstance into its constituent elements or new compounds. This is thekey process by which biodegradable plastics are broken down in theenvironment.
What does biodegradable mulch cost?
The purchase price of biodegradable plastic mulch varies, depending on factors such as the width and thickness of the mulch as well as the length of the roll. Thickness of…
Are there reflective (with a metallic side) or white versions of biodegradable plastic mulch available?
Manufacturers of biodegradable plastic mulches produce clear, white, and white-on-black versions. To our knowledge there is currently not a metallic-sided product. Black mulch provides soil warming that may not be…
Will it store for over a year?
Biodegradable mulches are designed to biodegrade, and weathering and microorganisms will eventually break the products down. Manufacturers do not recommend storing the product for more than one year (i.e., a…
Where is it marketed? How do I get it?
Biodegradable mulches are available from several farm supply distributors, and some products can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers often consult with producers to assure the producer is ordering…
What are biodegradable plastic mulches made of? Are all components biobased?
The specific composition of biodegradable mulch products is proprietary information retained by the manufacturers. The composition of biodegradable plastic mulch is not all biobased (derived from plant sources). Commercially available…
Will biodegradable plastic mulch work?
Biodegradable plastic mulch products are designed to provide the same weed suppression, moisture retention, and soil temperature altering benefits that traditional plastic mulches do. Thicker products are commonly used for…
What does it break down to?
After the mulch is tilled into the soil, microorganisms in the soil break down the biodegradable plastic mulch mainly to water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. The goal of our USDA…
How do you apply biodegradable mulch in the field?
Application of biodegradable mulch uses the same equipment as traditional plastic mulch. Either a raised bed mulch layer or a flat-bed layer can be used. Both tractor-pulled mechanical layers and…
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and is supported by USDA Award 2014-51181-22382.
Washington State University and Montana State University and is supported by USDA Award 2014-51181-22382.