Biodegradable mulch films performance for autumn-winter strawberry production

Abstract

An enormous amount of plastic waste resulting from the agricultural activities is produced every year. Part of this plastic remains in the fields, while the other part is sent to recycling or landfill. The use of biodegradable (BD) mulch films can play a key role towards a sustainable development in agricultural sector because they can be plugged in the soil, after its use, together with the crop residues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of white-on-black biodegradable mulch films in contrast to the conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch film in autumn-winter cycle strawberry production, monitoring the variation on soil warming, lifetime of the films in the field as well as the effects on fruit yield. Soil temperatures showed differences among treatments during summer period under open field conditions and autumn-winter season under tunnel. Although the degradation rate of BD mulch films varied along the crop cycle, they provided adequate bed cover and weed suppression until crop end. Plants had similar monthly crop yield distribution, and percentage of commercial and uncommercial fruits between mulch treatments. From the overall results obtained, biodegradable mulch films may be a promising alternative to PE mulching but there should be economic incentives for growers to implement this sustainable practical as its price at present are not yet competitive.