Agricultural Mulch Research Articles

Does the Incorporation of Biochar into Biodegradable Mulch Films Provide Agricultural Soil Benefits?

The pollution caused by plastic mulch film in agriculture has garnered significant attention. To safeguard the ecosystem from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution, it is imperative to investigate the use of biodegradable materials for manufacturing agricultural plastic film. Biochar has emerged as a feasible substance for the production of biodegradable mulch film (BDM), providing significant agricultural soil benefits. Although biochar has been widely applied in BDM manufacturing, the effect of biochar-filled plastic mulch film on soil carbon stock after its degradation has not been well documented. This study provides an overview of the current stage of biochar incorporated with BDM and summarizes its possible pathway on soil carbon stock contribution. The application of biochar-incorporated BDM can lead to substantial changes in soil microbial diversity, thereby influencing the emissions of greenhouse gases. These alterations may ultimately yield unforeseen repercussions on the carbon cycles. However, in light of the current knowledge vacuum and potential challenges, additional study is necessary to ascertain if biochar-incorporated BDM can effectively mitigate the issues of residual mulch film and microplastic contamination in agricultural land. Significant progress remains necessary before BDM may fully supplant traditional agricultural mulch film in agricultural production.

Macro- and micro-plastic accumulation in soils under different intensive farming systems: A case study in Quzhou county, the North China Plain

The macroplastics (MaPs) and microplastics (MiPs) polluting agricultural soils raise great concerns. Unfortunately, scientists know little about the occurrence of MaPs/MiPs in soil among different farming systems. In this study, we analyzed MaPs/MiPs in soils (0–30 cm) collected from six different farming systems (wheat-maize rotations, cotton, vegetables, permanent orchards, greenhouses with and without mulching) in Quzhou county, the North China Plain, by using fluorescence microscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the abundance of MaPs and MiPs ranged from 0.2 to 46.8 kg ha−1, and 4.1 × 103–3.7 × 104 items kg−1, respectively. The prominent colors of the MaPs were white and black. The predominant shape, size and chemical composition of soil MiPs were fragments (45–62%), <1 mm (98–99%), and polyethylene (38–43%), respectively. MaPs were mainly detected in the 0–10 cm soil layer. MiP abundance in the 0–10 cm soil layer was significantly higher than that in the 20–30 cm soil layers among different farming systems, except for the fields with wheat-maize rotations and permanent orchards (p < 0.05). Overall, cotton fields showed the highest MaP and MiP abundance, followed by vegetable fields and orchards. Redundancy analysis revealed that tillage practices and plastic film management greatly influence the size distribution of MiPs. A strong negative correlation between large-sized plastic fractions (0.2–1 mm) and tillage frequency was tested while the years of application of plastic films and the abundance of plastic residues showed a strong positive correlation with small-sized plastic fractions (<0.2 mm). Our findings conclude that agricultural mulch films are an important source of MaPs and MiPs in agricultural soil and distributions are strongly influenced by agricultural management practices and farming systems. Further studies should take farming systems and farming practices into account, thereby exploring the potential mechanisms of plastic fragmentation and granularization in agricultural soil.

Cow Dung Liquid Mulch Improves Maize Yields: Beneficial Microorganisms Are Enriched and Environmental Risks Are Reduced and Nutrient Cycling Is Promoted

Cow dung liquid mulch (CDLM), which uses cow dung as a raw material, has a good degradability and is a potential alternative to traditional plastic agricultural mulch, but there is a lack of research on the effects of CDLM on rhizosphere soil physicochemical properties, rhizosphere soil microbial functions, and crop yields. In this study, the link between maize yield, environmental factors, and functional genes as well as the responses of microbial community functions to CDLM and polyethylene mulch (PE) were studied using metagenomic sequencing. Functional annotation was also performed on clusters of orthologous groups of proteins, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and carbohydrate-active enzyme sequencing data. The results showed that CDLM significantly increased maize yield by 30.9% compared to CK while maintaining lower soil microplastic levels. CDLM promotes the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms such as Mycolicibacterium and Pseudomonas. The relative abundance of functional genes related to microbial metabolism, soil element cycling pathways, and organic matter degradation was significantly higher in CDLM than in CK. Microbial functional genes were positively correlated with maize yield and environmental factors such as soil nutrients. These results suggested that CDLM can improve maize yield by enriching beneficial microorganisms, reducing rhizosphere soil environmental risks, and enhancing rhizosphere soil microbial function. Rhizosphere soil nutrients and microbial functional genes together mediated the positive response of maize yield to CDLM. This study can provide a scientific basis and data support for the safe use of mulch in the future.

Regenerated cellulose films with controllable microporous structure for enhanced seed germination

In this work, the preparation of high-performance and porous regenerated cellulose (RCNH) films for seed germination application were investigated. The films were prepared from bamboo-based cellulose carbamate-NaOH/ZnO/urea and coagulated using environmentally friendly aqueous solution of (NH4)2SO4. The results showed that the pore size of the films could be efficiently controlled by changing the concentration and temperature of the coagulation bath. In a mild environment, the system remains undisturbed, resulting in slow diffusion between the solvent and coagulation bath. This allows for the cellulose molecular chains to align in parallel and self-aggregate, forming a three-dimensional network structure. Therefore, the best mechanical properties were demonstrated by a film coagulated using 5 wt% (NH4)2SO4 solution at 10 °C. This film showed excellent tensile strength of 108 MPa and high elongation at break (35 %). As compared to a plastic wrap, the film demonstrated higher permeability for oxygen, and a moisture retaining ability. Due to these properties, it could be used as an agricultural film to encase and promote the growth of mung bean seeds. Moreover, the film was biodegradable with a short decomposition time, losing 90.75 % of its original mass after 63 days. In a summary, this work provides a route for robust, biodegradable, and permeable regenerated cellulose films with potential applications as biodegradable agricultural mulches.

Lignin-Based Composite Film and Its Application for Agricultural Mulching.

Agricultural mulching is an important input for modern agricultural production and plays an important role in guaranteeing food security worldwide. At present, polyethylene (PE) mulching is still commonly used in agricultural production in most countries around the world, which is non-biodegradable, and years of mulching have caused serious agricultural white pollution. Lignin is one of the three major components of plant cell walls, and it is also the main renewable natural aromatic compounds in nature. Lignin-based composite film materials are green, biodegradable, and show good prospects for development in the field of agricultural mulch. This paper introduces the types, structure, and application status of lignin, summarizes the preparation of lignin-based composite film materials and its latest research progress, focuses on the types, preparation methods, and application examples of lignin-based agricultural mulching, and looks forward to the future development prospects of lignin-based agricultural mulching.

Microplastics and biochar interactively affect nitrous oxide emissions from tobacco planting soil

Biochar application to amend acidified tobacco-soils can enhance tobacco quality and reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Microplastics from agricultural mulch are commonly found in cash-crop farmland soils and, together with biochar, affect soil N2O emissions. In this study, we applied three types of microplastics (polyethylene, PE; polylactic acid, PLA; polybutylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT) and rice biochar alone or in combination to acidified tobacco planting soil in central China to investigate their effects on soil N2O emissions, soil chemical properties, nitrogen-cycle-related functional genes, and microbial functional diversity during a 35-day laboratory incubation period. Significant increases in N₂O emissions were observed with PE and PLA, which raised emissions by 15.96 % and 21.52 %, respectively. Additionally, different microplastics affected soil N₂O emissions through distinct regulatory pathways. Co-application of microplastics and biochar suppressed N2O emissions compared to microplastics alone. Biochar mitigates N2O emissions mainly by increasing the abundance of the nosZ gene. It can remediate soil contaminated by microplastics and reduce their negative impacts on the soil environment. This study provides deeper insight into the effects of microplastics on soil nitrogen cycling and biochar-mitigated remediation of microplastic-contaminated soil.

Microplastics originated from agricultural mulching films affect enchytraeid multigeneration reproduction and soil properties

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly entering agricultural soils, often from the breakdown of agricultural plastics (e.g., mulching films). This study investigates the effects of realistic MPs from different mulching films: two conventional polyethylene (PE-1 and PE-2) and two biodegradable (starch-blended polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate; PBAT-BD-1 and PBAT-BD-2). MPs were mixed into Lufa 2.2 soil at a concentration range from 0.005 % to 5 % (w/w dry soil), wide enough to reflect both realistic environmental levels and “worst-case scenarios”. Effects on Enchytraeus crypticus reproduction over two generations and six important soil properties were studied. PBAT MPs notably reduced enchytraeid reproduction in the F0 generation, with a maximum decrease of 35.5 ± 9.6 % at 0.5 % concentration. F1 generation was unaffected by PBAT contamination. PE MPs had a more substantial reproductive impact, with up to a 55.3 ± 9.7 % decrease at 5 % PE-1 concentration compared to the control, showing a dose-related effect except for 1 %. Both MP types also significantly affected soil water holding capacity, pH, and total carbon. Other soil properties remained unaffected. Our results highlight the potential negative impacts of MPs originating from real agricultural plastics on soil health and raise concerns about the role of agricultural plastics in sustainable agriculture and food safety.

Response of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor to non-degradable and biodegradable fossil-based mulching film microplastics

Agricultural mulching films are potential sources of microplastics (MPs) in soil. As an alternative to conventional non-degradable mulching films, a variety of different biodegradable mulching films are used. However, it is not yet known whether MPs from biodegradable mulching films pose a lower risk to terrestrial invertebrates compared to MPs from conventional mulching films. In this study, the effects of MPs produced from two conventional polyethylene (PE-1 and PE-2) and two biodegradable (starch-based poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate); PBAT-BD-1, and PBAT-BD-2) fossil-based mulching films on terrestrial crustacean woodlice Porcellio scaber and mealworm Tenebrio molitor were compared. A key finding was that no clear differences in induced responses between biodegradable and conventional MPs were detected. No adverse effects on P. scaber after two weeks and on T. molitor after four weeks of exposure were observed up to 5 % (w/w dry soil) of either MP type. However, some sublethal physiological changes in metabolic rate and immune parameters were found in P. scaber after two weeks of exposure indicating a response of organisms to the presence of MP exposure in soil. In addition, it was demonstrated that both types of MPs might affect the soil water holding capacity and pH. In conclusion, we confirmed that biodegradable MPs can induce responses in organisms hence further studies testing the environmental hazard of biodegradable MPs are justified.

Honeycomb porous regenerated cellulose aerogel films with enhanced thermal dissipation for agricultural mulch application

Agricultural films, essential to contemporary agricultural production, are mostly made from non-biodegradable petroleum-based materials. The use of such films, especially in high-temperature environments, contributes to elevated internal temperatures in direct sunlight, adversely affecting crop appearance and quality. In this work, rice straw was used as the raw material to prepare biodegradable chemically crosslinked regenerated cellulose aerogel films (RCAF-CC) by combining physical dissolution regeneration, chemical cross-linking, and freeze-drying. The resulting RCAF-CC is notable for its high middle-infrared emissivity and high solar reflectivity, which significantly aid in thermal dissipation for agricultural mulch by enhancing infrared radiation and solar reflection. Compared to traditional polyethylene films, RCAF-CC, with its superior radiative cooling properties and lower water vapor transport rate, has a significant advantage in the growth trend and survival rate of cherry radishes. It is worth noting that the RCAF-CC achieved the degradation rate of 74.4 % in the 100-day soil burial experiment, and the soybean seeds grown in the degraded soil grew well, showing excellent eco-friendliness. These results show that RCAF-CC can be an alternative source of traditional agricultural films, solving the problems of non-biodegradable and high internal temperatures of the films under direct sunlight.

Multigenerational toxicity of microplastics derived from two types of agricultural mulching films to Folsomia candida

Degradation and fragmentation of mulching films represents an increasing source of microplastics (MPs, plastic particles 1 μm to 5 mm in size) to agricultural soils. MPs have been shown to affect many soil invertebrates, including springtails. However, these studies typically use test materials representing less environmentally relevant particle types, such as pristine uniform MPs, which do not represent the large range of particle sizes and morphologies found in the field. This study aimed at providing insight into the adverse effects of MPs originating from agricultural mulching films, by using artificially aged MPs derived from both biodegradable (starch-polybutadiene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) blend, as well as conventional (linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)) plastic polymers. The soil dwelling springtail Folsomia candida was exposed to these MPs for five generations in order to elucidate population effects due to possible reproduction toxicity, endocrine disruption, mutagenesis or developmental toxicity. F. candida were exposed to 0, 0.0016, 0.008, 0.04, 0.2, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 % (w/w dry soil) MPs in Lufa 2.2 soil, which includes concentrations within the range of environmental relevance. Juveniles produced at each concentration were transferred to the next generation, with the parental, F2 and F4 generations being exposed for four weeks and F1 and F3 generations for five weeks. No concentration-dependent effects on F. candida survival or reproduction were observed in exposures to either of the MPs, in any of the generations. These results suggest that the particular MPs used in this study, derived from mulching films used on agricultural soils, may not be potent toxicants to F. candida, even after long-term exposure and at elevated concentrations.

Environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastics from agricultural mulch and cadmium negatively impact earthworms by triggering neurotoxicity and disrupting homeostasis

Recent research has highlighted the ecological risk posed by microplastics (MPs) from mulching film and heavy metals to soil organisms. However, most studies overlooked real environmental levels of MPs and heavy metals. To address this gap, pristine and aged polyethylene (PE) mulching film-derived MPs (PMPs, 500 mg/kg; AMPs, 500 mg/kg) were combined with cadmium (Cd, 0.5 mg/kg) to assess the acute toxicity to earthworms and investigate associated molecular mechanisms (oxidative stress, osmoregulation pressure, gut microbiota, and metabolic responses) at environmentally relevant concentrations. Compared to Cd alone and Cd + PMPs treatments (11.15 ± 4.19 items/g), Cd + AMPs treatment resulted in higher MPs bioaccumulation (23.73 ± 13.14 items/g), more severe tissue lesions, and increased cell membrane osmotic pressure in earthworms’ intestines. Cd + AMPs induced neurotoxicity through elevated levels of glutamate and acetylcholinesterase. Earthworm intestines (0.98 ± 0.49 to 3.33 ± 0.37 mg/kg) exhibited significantly higher Cd content than soils (0.19 ± 0.01 to 0.51 ± 0.06 mg/kg) and casts (0.15 ± 0.01 to 0.25 ± 0.05 mg/kg), indicating PE-MPs facilitated Cd transport in earthworms’ bodies. Metabolomic analysis showed Cd + AMPs exposure depleted energy and nucleotide metabolites, disrupted cell homeostasis more profoundly than Cd and Cd + PMPs treatments. Overall, co-exposure to AMPs + Cd induced more severe neurotoxicity and disruption of homeostasis in earthworm than Cd and PMPs + Cd treatments. Our study, using Cd and MPs with environmental relevance, underscores MPs’ role in amplifying Cd accumulation and toxicity in earthworms.

Preparation and application of waste cigarette butts-derived mulch film with excellent mechanical properties and optical transparency

Abstract The small waste cigarette butts every year worldwide added up is a significant threat to the environment. The main component of cigarette butts is cellulose acetate, which is an excellent film-forming material. Here, a one-step phase transition method was employed to successfully convert waste cigarette butts into a transparent film. This film (160×18×0.5 mm) derived from waste cigarette butts (CB) has high mechanical strength (fracture stress 23.5 MPa, Young’s modulus 13.1 MPa), good thermal stability, and excellent optical transmittance (91.8%), and low haze (40.3%). Its properties rival those of traditional low-density polyethylene (PE) film. Meanwhile, the CB film displayed fascinating bending-ability and folding resistance. The cigarette butt-derived film with low cost and excellent properties exhibits a promising application as agricultural mulch and provides recycle solution for waste cigarette butts.

Development of a Biodegradable Ternary Blend of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Polyhydroxybutyrate Functionalized with Triacetin for Agricultural Mulch Applications.

The development of biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the nontoxic and biodegradable polymers that can be used as mulching film. However, a major drawback of PVA is its moisture sensitivity, which limits its applications. In this study, a biocomposite based on PVA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), plasticized with triacetin, was developed by solvent casting method. The biocomposite film exhibited good mechanical properties, better integrity, reduced transmittance, and light-blocking properties, which can prevent weed growth. Additionally, an improvement in surface characteristics was observed, as demonstrated by the shift in contact angle from 44 to 99° and a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 4.82 to 2.31 g/h m2. For agronomic application, the developed films were experimentally applied as mulch for maize plants in pots. The results were positive, showing that the mulches effectively supported the growth of the maize plants. Further, signs of initial degradation were observed after 5 days, and the film reached a degradation level of 50-55% after 30 days under natural conditions. Thus, this work has provided new insights for expanding the application range of PVA films in biobased mulching materials.

Production and characterisation of environmentally relevant microplastic test materials derived from agricultural plastics

Soil environments across the globe, particularly in agricultural settings, have now been shown to be contaminated with microplastics. Agricultural plastics – such as mulching films – are used in close or direct contact with soils and there is growing evidence demonstrating that they represent a potential source of microplastics. There is a demand to undertake fate and effects studies to understand the behaviour and potential long-term ecological risks of this contamination. Yet, there is a lack of test materials available for this purpose. This study describes the manufacture and characterisation of five large (1–40 kg) batches of microplastic test materials derived from agricultural mulching films. Batches were produced from either polyethylene-based conventional mulching films or starch-polybutadiene adipate terephthalate blend mulching films that are certified biodegradable in soil. Challenges encountered and overcome during the micronisation process provide valuable insights into the future of microplastic test material generation from these material types. This includes difficulties in micronising virgin polyethylene film materials. All five batches were subjected to a thorough physical and chemical characterisation - both of the original virgin films and the subsequent microplastic particles generated - including a screening for the presence of chemical additives. This is a critical step to provide essential information for interpreting particle fate or effects in scientific testing. Trade-offs between obtaining preferred particle typologies and time and cost constraints are elucidated. Several recommendations emerging from the experiences gained in this study are put forward to advance the research field towards greater harmonisation and utilisation of environmentally relevant test materials.

Effects of agricultural mulch film on swine manure composting: Film degradation and nitrogen transformation

The utilization of biodegradable mulch films (bio-MFs) is essential for agricultural safety. This study explored the effects of no MF (CK), aging bio-MF (BM), non-aging bio-MF (NBM), and aging polyethylene (PE)-MF (PEM) on swine manure composting. The results demonstrated that outdoor aging (45 days) accelerated the macroscopic degradation of bio-MF in the BM. A reduction in NH4+-N and NH3 emissions in the initial composting was observed owing to an increase in the carbon source or the bulking effect provided by the MFs. N2O emissions from days 9 to 21 were higher in the PEM than other treatments because of the formation of anaerobic zone in the MF-based aggregates. An obvious increase of amoA in PEM indicated a promoted nitrification during the maturation phase, meanwhile the increase of NO2−-N and aggregate promoted denitrification. Altogether, MF influenced composting through the synergistic effects of increasing the carbon source, bulking effect, and aggregates.

Effects of biodegradable microplastics and straw addition on soil greenhouse gas emissions

Large pieces of plastic are transformed into microplastic particles through weathering, abrasion, and ultraviolet radiation, significantly impacting the soil ecosystem. However, studies on biodegradable microplastics replacing traditional microplastics as agricultural mulching films to drive the biogeochemical processes influenced by GHG are still in their initial stages, with limited relevant reports available. This study sought to investigate the effects of microplastic and straw addition on CO2 and N2O emissions in different soils. Herein, yellow-brown soil (S1) and fluvo-aquic soil (S2) were utilized, each treated with three different concentrations of PLA (polylactic acid) microplastics (0.25%, 2%, and 7% w/w) at 25 °C for 35 days, with and without straw addition. The results showed that straw (1% w/w) significantly increased soil CO2 by 4.1-fold and 3.2-fold, respectively, and N2O by 1.8-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively, in cumulative emissions in S1 and S2 compared with the control. PLA microplastics significantly increased CO2 emissions by 71.5% and 99.0% and decreased N2O emissions by 30.1% and 24.7% at a high concentration (7% w/w, PLA3) in S1 and S2 compared with the control, respectively. The same trend was observed with the addition of straw and microplastics together. Structural equation modeling and redundancy analysis confirmed that soil physiochemical parameters, enzyme and microbial activities are key factors regulating CO2 and N2O emissions. The addition of microplastics is equivalent to the addition of carbon sources, which can significantly affect DOC, MBC, SOC and the abundance of carbon-associated bacteria (CbbL), thereby increasing soil CO2 emissions. The addition of microplastics alone inhibited the activity of nitrogen cycling enzymes (urease activity), increasing the abundance of denitrifying microbes. However, adding a high amount of microplastics and straw together released plastic additives, inhibiting microbial abundance and reducing the nitrogen cycle. These effects decreased NH4+-N and increased NO3−-N, resulting in decreased N2O emissions. This study indicates that biodegradable microplastics could reduce soil plastic residue pollution through degradation. However, their use could also increase CO2 emissions and decrease N2O emissions. Consequently, this research lays the groundwork for further investigation into the implications of utilizing biodegradable microplastics as agricultural mulch, particularly concerning soil geochemistry and GHG emissions.

Dual-functional lignocellulosic mulch as agricultural plastic alternative for sustained-release of photosensitive pesticide and immobilizing heavy metal ions

The extensive utilization of non-biodegradable plastic agricultural mulch in the past few decades has resulted in severe environmental pollution and a decline in soil fertility. The present study involves the fabrication of environmentally friendly paper-based mulch with dual functionality, incorporating agrochemicals and heavy metal ligands, through a sustainable papermaking/coating technique. The functional paper-based mulch consists of a cellulose fiber web incorporated with Emamectin Benzoate (EB)@ Aminated sodium lignosulfonate (ASL). The spherical microcapsules loaded with the pesticide EB exhibited an optimal core-shell structure for enhanced protection and controlled release of the photosensitizer EB (Sustained release >75 % in 50 h). Meanwhile, the ASL, enriched with metal chelating groups (-COOH, -OH, and -NH2, etc.), served as a stabilizing agent for heavy metal ions, enhancing soil remediation efficiency. The performance of paper-based mulch was enhanced by the application of a hydrophobic layer composed of natural chitosan/carnauba wax, resulting in exceptional characteristics such as superior tensile strength, hydrophobicity, heat insulation, moisture retention, as well as compostability and biodegradability (biodegradation >80 % after 70 days). This study developed a revolutionary lignocellulosic eco-friendly mulch that enables controlled agrochemical release and soil heavy metal remediation, leading to a superior substitute to conventional and non-biodegradable plastic mulch used in agriculture.

High‐quality and efficient recovery of waste agricultural mulch film mixture via solid‐state shear milling technology

High‐quality and efficient recovery of waste agricultural mulch film mixture via solid‐state shear milling technology

Amine Switchable Hydrophilic Solvent Vortex-Assisted Homogeneous Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and GC-MS for the Enrichment and Determination of 2, 6-DIPA Additive in Biodegradable Film.

2, 6-diisopropylaniline (2, 6-DIPA) is a crucial non-intentionally organic additive that allows the assessment of the production processes, formulation qualities, and performance variations in biodegradable mulching film. Moreover, its release into the environment may have certain effects on human health. Hence, this study developed simultaneous heating hydrolysis-extraction and amine switchable hydrophilic solvent vortex-assisted homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the 2, 6-DIPA additive and its corresponding isocyanates in poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biodegradable agricultural mulching films. The heating hydrolysis-extraction conditions and factors influencing the efficiency of homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction, such as the type and volume of amine, homogeneous-phase and phase separation transition pH, and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The optimum heating hydrolysis-extraction conditions were found to be a H2SO4 concentration of 2.5 M, heating temperature of 87.8 °C, and hydrolysis-extraction time of 3.0 h. As a switchable hydrophilic solvent, dipropylamine does not require a dispersant. Vortex assistance is helpful to speed up the extraction. Under the optimum experimental conditions, this method exhibits a better linearity (0.0144~7.200 μg mL-1 with R = 0.9986), low limit of detection and quantification (0.0033 μg g-1 and 0.0103 μg g-1), high extraction recovery (92.5~105.4%), desirable intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation less than 4.1% and 4.7%), and high enrichment factor (90.9). Finally, this method was successfully applied to detect the content of the additive 2, 6-DIPA in PBAT biodegradable agricultural mulching films, thus facilitating production process monitoring or safety assessments.

Evolution of hotspots and research trends in agricultural mulch film research: a bibliometric review

Agricultural mulch film (AMF) can increase the soil temperature, reduce the evaporation of water and soil erosion, control the number of weeds and pests, and improve the yield and quality of crops. However, the environmental pollution caused by AMF residues is becoming serious and has attracted increasing amounts of research. Research on AMF is a complex subject with diverse content and rich perspectives. Currently, there have been few systematic reviews of the use of AMF. To comprehensively and deeply understand the current status, hotspots, and trends of research on AMF, this paper conducted a bibliometric analysis of AMF literature from 1960 to 2022. Results are as follows: the overall publication volume in the field of AMF has increased 1960 to 2022. The top three countries contributing to publication volume include China, United States (US) and India, which are also the main collaborating nations. Notably, cooperation between China and US is the most frequent, and a cluster constituted by European nations serve as a primary collaborator for other countries. Owing to the introduction and development of the concept of degradable plastics, the field entered a period of rapid growth after 1970 and has primarily focused on continuous development in the areas of horticulture and environmental science. Current research on AMF primarily aims to: 1) develop applications that are aimed at enhancing the yield and quality of crops, and 2) improve the materials used to produce AMF to reduce its environmental impact. The persistent hotspots of research in AMF revolve around modifying the soil microclimate, promoting crop growth and development, and increasing crop yields. Frontier AMF research includes: exploring crop quality enhancement mechanisms, developing low-cost biodegradable film technologies and their natural degradation effects, and investigating AMF’s impact on soil nitrous oxide emissions and associated mechanisms.