Production and Evaluation of Agricultural Biodegradable Mulch through Heat and Moisture Distribution in Soil

Abstract

The need to increase agricultural production in proportion to population growth and water crisis management requires initiatives that can increase the quantity and quality of crops by using soil moisture storage methods while preserving the environment. According to problem presented, in order to simulate the temperature, humidity and radiation of the farm environment, a control system, along with laboratory facilities were designed and constructed. Then, the production and evaluation of different types of soil mulches from biodegradable and petroleum polymers were performed by aiming investigate the effect of these soil mulches on soil temperature and moisture at different depths. Produced mulches were placed in a laboratory soil bed. The average molecular weight, the gel content and the percentage of elongation at the breakpoint for biodegradable mulches were 4906.56 g mol-1, 4.68% and 4.63%, respectively and the mean values of tensile strength and the percentage of elongation before the ultraviolet aging process were 13.41MPa and 396.71%, respectively. Acceptable values of statistical indicators were calculated with the response surface method. In conclusion of the soil temperature and humidity changes for different types of mulch, the velocity of temperature rise is reduced in deep levels due to the resistance made by soil moisture. The amount of moisture reduction for dark and uncoated mulch by moving from surface to depth was far more when compared to other mulches, and there was no significant change at the depth of transparent mulches.