Economic Evaluation of Biodegradable Plastic Films in Tennessee Pumpkin Production

Margarita Velandia,Suzette Galinato,Annette Wszelaki

doi:10.3390/agronomy10010051

Margarita Velandia, Suzette Galinato + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10010051

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Abstract

The use of polyethylene mulch in vegetable production is considered unsustainable because of its contribution to soil plastic pollution. Plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are a more sustainable option because they are tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the cropping season, and designed to decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and microbial biomass, reducing soil plastic pollution. Regardless of the potential environmental benefits associated with the use of BDMs, farmers will have to evaluate the changes in profits when transitioning from polyethylene (PE) mulch to BDM before deciding to adopt BDMs. This study evaluates the factors associated with the economic feasibility of adopting BDM in pumpkin production using a partial budget and sensitivity analyses. Results suggest that the cost of BDM, labor costs, and sale price discounts, due to mulch adhesion in pumpkin fruit have the greatest impact on profits when transitioning from PE mulch to BDM. When assuming current market prices for PE mulch and BDM, the 2019 Tennessee Adverse Effect wage rate, and no price discounts, transitioning from PE mulch to BDM results in a positive impact on profits. When assuming a 5% price discount, this transition results in a negative impact on profits.

Highlights

Polyethylene (PE) mulch is the most common type of mulch used in US agriculture [1]
We estimated the net changes in profits when transitioning from PE mulch to biodegradable mulches (BDMs) on one hectare of pumpkins, for the base case scenario described in the assumptions presented above (Table 5)
The results presented are useful in assessing the factors that could potentially influence the economic feasibility of adopting BDM in pumpkin production, they do not represent actual changes in revenue and costs at the farm level

Summary

Introduction

Polyethylene (PE) mulch is the most common type of mulch used in US agriculture [1]. PE mulches provide multiple benefits, including soil moisture conservation, increased soil temperature, weed control, and improved yield and crop quality [2,3]. This mulch is used for one season and needs to be removed and disposed of after the cash crops are harvested. The removal and disposal activities associated with using PE mulch impose an additional labor burden for farmers involved in already labor-intensive enterprises, such as vegetable production [4]

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