Film Mulching Research Articles

Enhancing PVA mulching films: Leveraging modified lignin as a bio-based crosslinking agent for improved mechanical strength, UV barrier, and biodegradability

In contemporary agriculture, eco-friendly mulching films present a promising alternative to conventional plastic mulching films. However, their potential is constrained by challenges related to limited biodegradation and barrier performance. Addressing these limitations, innovative lignin-carboxylated materials were employed as bio-based crosslinking agents to enhance diverse properties in the fabrication of PVA films. Alkali lignin was modified with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) to enhance its chemical reactivity. The abundance of carbonyl groups in modified lignin (Lig-DTPA) plays a significant role in establishing strong compatibility with PVA through covalent bonds. This interaction yielded remarkable enhancements, elevating both tensile strength and tensile modulus by an impressive 50.9 % and 60.1 %, respectively. The introduction of Lig-DTPA at 3 % into the PVA composite films resulted in excellent UV-blocking properties. Moreover, at 3 % ratios, the presence of lignin became visibly dispersed as clear spots across the film, indicating a relatively uniform state within the matrix. The study revealed a direct correlation: as the lignin content increased, the film exhibited heightened water solubility and enhanced biodegradability. The PVA/Lig-DTPA film displays promising potential for utilization as a mulching film material, offering anti-ultraviolet functionality and a high degradation rate. Furthermore, its versatility extends to potential applications in packaging materials, including seedling bowls, transplanting pots, and coating films for transportation purposes.

Effects of long-term biodegradable film mulching on yield and water productivity of maize in North China Plain

Biodegradable films are considered ideal alternatives to polyethylene films because of their advantages in increasing crop yield and controlling soil pollution. However, the influences of biodegradable film mulching on soil physicochemical environments and water productivity after long-term mulching remain poorly understood. Therefore, a field experiment after long-term mulching (since 2016) was conducted to explore the effects of black biodegradable film (BB), transparent biodegradable film (TB), and traditional polyethylene film (PE) on soil physicochemical environments, aboveground biomass accumulation, grain yield, evapotranspiration, and water productivity (WP) of maize in the 2021 and 2022 in the North China Plain. The results showed that polyethylene films and biodegradable films had a similar ability to preserve soil moisture, promote maize growth, reduce evapotranspiration, and increase WP. Moreover, the performances of BB were more equivalent to PE, and there was no significant difference on WP and yield under BB and PE. Compared with traditional flat planting without mulching (CK), BB and PE significantly increased yield (9.5 % and 12.7 % in 2021; 5.25 % and 6.37 % in 2022) and WP (11.54 % and 21.47 % in 2021; 24.28 % and 23.42 % in 2022). Film mulching treatments increased the soil organic carbon sequestration rate, and the content of soil organic carbon, microbial activity, and urease activity in the 0–20 cm soil layer compared with CK. According to structural equation modeling, the increasing soil water storage because of films mulching positively influenced yield by enhancing enzyme activities which were related to soil nutrients. Over all, these results showed that black biodegradable film is an ideal replacement for polyethylene films under long-term mulching conditions because of its comparable agronomic performance and influence on soil physicochemical environments in the North China Plain.

Distribution characteristics and sources of ultraviolet absorbents in facility agricultural soils in China

The environmental contamination of ultraviolet absorbents (UVAs) has attracted global attention for the persistence, bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity. However, little is known about the content and distribution characteristics of UVAs in agricultural soils, especially in facility agricultural soils. In this study, the contents and distribution characteristics of 16 UVAs were surveyed in agricultural facility soils (N = 61) and field soil samples (N = 61) from 27 provinces in China. The total content of 16 UVAs (Σ16UVAs) in facility soils (mean 64.2 ± 55.4 ng/g) was higher than that in field soils (mean 9.66 ± 7.66 ng/g), suggesting that UVAs in facility soils are associated with mulch film. The Σ16UVAs content in the soil mulched with biodegradable (PBAT) film was higher than that in the soil mulched with polyethylene (PE) film, which indicated that the UVA pollution in the soil mulched with biodegradable film was more serious. With the continuous promotion of the use of biodegradable films may pose a threat to soil and ecological health. Therefore, studies on the content and distribution characteristics of UVAs in facility soils are needed to provide scientific basis for the controlling and monitoring of novel pollutants.

Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review

Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.

Design and Test of Potato Seedling Killing and Residual Film Recycling Integrated Machine

Plastic film mulching technology can effectively enhance crop yield and quality, and the use of mulch has been increasing in recent years; however, the problem of mulch residue is worsening due to the large amount of recycling work and slow natural degradation. In this study, a potato seedling killing and residual film recycling machine is designed to provide good working conditions for potato harvesters before harvesting in response to the problems of difficult separation of film tangles, the low net rate of recycling due to the mixing of residual film with soil, and the high soil content in residual film recycling operations in northwest China. The machine is based on the potato monoculture and double row planting mode in Gansu area. This paper puts forward the overall design scheme and carries out the theoretical analysis and parameter determination of the key components, such as the seedling killing device, the film surface cleaning device, the film unloading device, and so on. Using EDEM software to carry out the virtual simulation test and Design-Expert13 to analyze the test results, we determined the optimal working scheme for the machine, with a forward speed of 0.8 m/s, a film gap of 125 mm, and a spiral stirrer speed of 600 r/min. Based on a field test for verification, the test results show that the machine’s residual film recovery rate was 83.3%, the impurity rate was 3.8%, and the rate of injury to the potatoes was 1.4%. The machine meets the requirements of national and industry standards, and it can simultaneously realize straw crushing, film surface cleaning, residual film recycling, and hydraulic film unloading operations, with better operating results and while reaching the expected results. It can also provide a reference for the design and testing of a seeding and residual film recycling machine.

棉花精量铺膜穴播机自动断膜带系统设计与试验

To achieve the process of automatic film cutting for cotton and improve the efficiency of cotton precision film hole seeding machine operation, this paper proposes a wireless handle button control method and designs a automatic film and tape cutting system for cotton precision film-laying hole seeder. The system includes electromagnetic integrated valve group, hole opener lifting hydraulic cylinder, membrane pressing hydraulic cylinder, multifunctional hydraulic cylinder for cutting film, strapping support hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic limit sensor, arc-shaped film cutting shovel reset sensor, wireless control handle for film cutting and film cutting controller. The system is based on the VisualTFT platform, equipped with a multi-functional touch screen. By integrating functions such as obtaining the forward distance of the machine, hydraulic control principles, and wireless control models for film cutting and burying, it achieves automatic cutting and burying of ground film and drip tape processes. The experiment verified the working performance of the automatic film cutting and feeding system of the cotton seed precision film mulching hole seeder and the results showed that the average monitoring accuracy of the machine's forward distance was 98.16%; the response time for controlling the film cutting belt and burying film belt was ≤0.78s, and the execution time was ≤2.68s; the success rate of cutting film strips was 100.00% and the success rate of burying film strips was above 98.33%, which met the operational requirements of automatic film strip cutting for precise cotton seeding film hole planting machines.

Optimized irrigation practices with fertilizer utilization strategies to improve photo-fluorescence efficiency, vascular bundles and maize production in semi-arid regions

The mechanism of irrigation models combined with fertilizer utilization strategies under the biodegradable film mulching could greatly promote crop photosynthesis, vascular bundles structure; resource utilization and maize production are unclear in semi-arid areas. Unfortunately, this mechanism provides a scientific basis for improving irrigation and fertilizer utilization. A field study was carried out during 2021–2022 years. Seven treatments were established: two nitrogen levels: low-N (150 kg N ha−1) and high-N (300 kg N ha−1) combined with three different irrigation models: drip irrigation (DI), ridge irrigation (RI) and border irrigation (BI) under the biodegradable film mulching with (CK) treatment have no irrigation, fertilizer and mulching. Our results revealed that DIH treatment considerably increased soil water storage, enhanced photosynthesis rate (Pn) of maize by mainly to facilitate stomatal opening compared to the rest of all treatments. In addition, it also enhances the differentiation of the vascular bundle system and maintains its post silk function under better environmental conditions, greatly improving nitrogen storage in soil and plants, and enhancing maize productivity. DIH and RIH treatments significantly increased net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), maximum quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and yield were observed, but evapotranspiration (ET) decreased at different growth stages. The results showed that DIH treatment was an effective tillage strategy, which increased biomass yield by 32.6 %, grain yield by 46.0 %, water use efficiency (WUE) by 46.2 %, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 86.4 % compared to other treatments. Given these results, thus we recommend the drip irrigation combined with a high-N level under a biodegradable film mulching increase photo-fluorescence efficiency, maize production and resource utilization efficiency in semi-arid regions.

Migration patterns of phthalic acid esters from mulch plastic film in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum system.

Plastic film mulching is an important agricultural practice, but its release of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) poses threats to soil and human health. However, the migration patterns of PAEs during the lifecycle of mulch plastic film (MPF) remain unclear. This study aims to explore the temporal patterns of release of PAEs during the MPF's lifecycle and evaluate the migration patterns of PAEs from MPF in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) system through pot experiments and model simulations. The results reveal that during the mulching period, 44.90-56.71% of the PAEs released went into the atmosphere and 14.97-18.90% into the soil, while during the residual film period, 24.39-40.13% were slowly released into the soil. Elevated soil water content increased maize transpiration rates, leading to higher concentrations of PAEs in roots, stems, and fruits, but lower concentrations in leaves. In 2020, the estimated total release of PAEs from MPF in northwest China amounted to 35.42 tons. Notably, PAEs predominantly accumulated in the soil, with minimal accumulation in plant tissues. Moreover, PAEs were primarily removed through degradation. Our results elucidate the migration patterns of PAEs from MPF in the SPAC system, facilitating the evaluation of PAE pathways into the human food chain.

Effects of mulch films with different thicknesses on the microbial community of tobacco rhizosphere soil in Yunnan laterite.

The mulch film (MF) management model of the agricultural field affects the physical and chemical properties of soil (PCPS) and the structure of the microorganism community; however, studies on the relationship between the rhizosphere microorganism community structure and the thickness of MF are still limited. To understand the interactions among the MF thickness, PCPS, and rhizosphere microorganism, a study was conducted by using an integrated metagenomic strategy, where tobacco rhizosphere soil was treated with four commonly representative and used thicknesses of MFs (0.004, 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010 mm) in Yunnan laterite. The results showed that agronomic traits such as the tobacco plant height (TPH), leaf number (LN), fresh leaf weight (FLW), and dry leaf weight (DLW) were significantly (p < 0.01) improved in the field mulched with the thickest film (0.010 mm) compared with the exposed field (CK), and there was a 6.81 and 5.54% increase in the FLW and TPH, separately. The correlation analyses revealed a significant positive correlation of the MF thickness with the soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP; all p < 0.01), while the MF thickness was negatively correlated with the soil temperature (ST; p < 0.01). In addition, the community structure of the rhizosphere soil bacteria was significantly changed overall by the MF thickness, which also interfered with the function of the rhizosphere soil bacteria. The correlation analyses also showed that the abundance of Bradyrhizobium and Nitrospira was positively correlated with the MF thickness, while the abundance of Sphinsinomonas and Massilia was negatively correlated with it. This indicated that with the increase of the MF thickness, the ability of the rhizosphere soil to utilize N and remove harmful molecules was strengthened, while the capacity of the rhizosphere soil to degrade pollutants was greatly reduced. These findings provide additional insights into the potential risks of the application of different thicknesses of MFs, particularly concerning the PCPS and soil microbial communities.

Different mulch films, consistent results: soil fauna responses to microplastic

Agricultural activities contribute to plastic pollution, with unintentional introduction and intentional use of plastic mulch films leading to the accumulation of microplastic particles in soils. The lack of removal techniques and scarce information on the effects on soil organisms, especially for biodegradable mulch films, necessitate an assessment of potential effects. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of mulch film microplastic on soil fauna by investigating reproduction output and subcellular responses before and after recovery from exposure. Two common soil organisms, Folsomia candida and Eisenia fetida, were exposed to petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PLA/PBAT) microplastic for 28 days, according to OECD guidelines 232 and 222, respectively. Juvenile numbers revealed no polymer- or concentration-dependent effects on E. fetida and F. candida reproduction after exposure to up to 5 and 10 g/kgdw soil, respectively. To provide a more sensitive and early indication of sublethal effects, subcellular responses in E. fetida were analyzed. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity increased with rising microplastic concentration; however, catalase (CAT), acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) did not differ from control levels. Further, the more environmentally relevant PE polymer was chosen for in-depth assessment of subcellular response after 28-day microplastic exposure and subsequent 28 days in uncontaminated soil with E. fetida. No significant differences in biomarker activity and stress levels were observed. We conclude that mulch film–derived microplastic did not adversely affect earthworm and collembolan species in this scenario, except for a slight induction in the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase.

Appropriate flame-spraying treatment exacerbates thermal oxidative degradation of residual polyethylene films

In dryland farming, plastic film mulching can significantly increase crop yields, but the resulting residues impair soil health. Heretofore, only few studies had examined how heat treatment facilitates the rapid degradation of polyethylene (PE) residual films. Herein, we characterized the variations in micro-morphology, functional groups, and crystallinity of PE residual films after moderate heat exposure using a self-made flame-spraying equipment. The results revealed that solid residues (SR) obtained from flame-spraying showed a gravimetric weight loss of 9.39 %–15.35 % compared with untreated PE residual films (UPF). Scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed considerable pits, cracks, and visible roughness in appearance and an increase in the oxygen-to‐carbon (O/C) atomic ratio. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified characteristic oxygen-containing functional groups and double bonds. X-ray diffraction showed that flame-spraying treatments did not alter the crystal form of polymer, but increased the crystallinity. Higher flame-spraying temperatures resulted in larger oxygen-containing bond indices and lower crystallinity, suggesting a more severe decomposition of PE residual film. The possible volatile gaseous products at different reaction temperatures were predicted using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR). Degradation of the PE residual film started at 220 °C, and concentrated release of major products such as long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and CO2, occurred in the temperature range of 340 °C–440 °C. These results highlighted the effectiveness of the moderate flame-spraying method in accelerating rapid decomposition of residual films, and a flame-spraying temperature range of 220 °C–340 °C should be recommended to avoid potential environmental risks induced by the release of large quantities of degradation products. This study will contribute to enhance our understanding of the thermal oxidative degradation behavior of PE waste and provide a scientific basis for the rapid and clean establishment of PE residual films mitigation in agricultural fields.

Embracing Nature's Clockwork: Crafting Plastics for Degradation in Plant Agricultural Systems.

In the 21st century, global agriculture confronts the urgent challenge of increasing food production by 70% by 2050 while simultaneously addressing environmental and health concerns. Plastics, integral to agricultural innovation, present sustainability challenges due to their non-biodegradable nature and contribution to pollution. This perspective examines the transition to bioplastics, emphasizing their bio-based origin and their crucial characteristic of being readily biodegradable in the soil. Key bioplastics such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and biomass-derived polymers are discussed, particularly regarding the microplastic generation in soil resulting from their use in specific applications like mulch films, delivery systems, and soil conditioners. Embracing bioplastics signifies a significant step forward in achieving sustainable agriculture and addressing plastic waste. However, it is highlighted that while some bioplastics can be recovered and recycled, special applications where the plastic is in intimate contact with soil pose challenges for recovery. In these cases, that represent more than the 50% of plastics used in agriculture, meticulous design for biodegradation in soil synchronized with agricultural cycles is necessary. This approach ensures minimal environmental impact and promotes a circular approach to plastic use in agriculture.

Effects of Film Mulching on Soil Quality, Garlic Yield, and Garlic Quality

To determine the optimal film management technique for garlic planting, this study aimed to investigate the effects of various film cover methods on soil quality and garlic yield in garlic cropping systems. To achieve these goals, trials with different film cover methods were conducted at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Nanjing. To investigate the impact of changes in soil quality and garlic yield, we set up four treatments： no film treatment （CK）, black polyethylene film treatment （HPE）, black poly（butylene- adipate-co-terephthalate） （PBAT） with straw composite film treatment （HSJ）, and white PBAT film treatment （BJ） in a garlic cropping system. Our results indicated that specific mulch coverings had a positive effect on both soil quality and garlic yield. The film cover treatments resulted in significant changes in soil physicochemical properties and bacterial and fungal biomasses and indirectly improved soil quality. Compared to that under the no film treatment, the BJ treatment boosted soil quality by 70%, with the most significant impact, followed by that under the HPE and HSJ treatments, with improvements of 52% and 36%. Random forest modeling indicated that soil organic matter and total nitrogen were the most important factors influencing soil quality. The different film covers significantly increased the diameter of garlic bulbs and single quality. The HSJ treatment exhibited the most significant increase in garlic yield, with 46%, 19%, and 6% improvement compared to that in the CK, HPE, and BJ treatments, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that soil quality under film cover was significantly correlated with the starch content of garlic bulbs, garlic diameter, and single quality. This study highlights that selecting the appropriate mulch film aids in the production of garlic and helps to develop farmland that produces both high-quality and high-yield crops.

Study on the Characteristics of Residual Film–Soil–Root Stubble Complex in Maize Stubble Fields of the Hexi Corridor and Establishment of a Discrete Element Model

Plastic film mulching is one of the key technologies for improving agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. However, residual plastic film can severely disrupt the structure of the topsoil in farmland, leading to a decrease in crop yield. The Hexi Corridor, as the largest seed maize production base in the arid regions of Northwest China, is facing an increasingly prominent issue of residual plastic film recovery. This study designed experiments based on the typical maize planting model in the Hexi Corridor. A discrete element simulation model of the residual film–soil–root stubble complex was established using the Bonding-V2 model and API rapid filling technology. The reliability of the simulation model was verified through shear and puncture tests. The study revealed that the soil type in the Hexi Corridor is heavy sandy soil. The differences between the average maximum shear forces in the simulated and actual shear tests for root stubble–soil complexes at depths of 30 mm, 50 mm, and 100 mm were 4.8%, 6.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. Additionally, the differences in the average maximum vertical loading forces in the simulated and actual puncture tests for root stubble–soil complexes at depths of 50 mm and 100 mm were 6.4% and 12.37%, respectively. The small discrepancies between the simulated and actual values, along with the consistency of particle movement trends with real-world conditions, confirmed the reliability and accuracy of the simulation model. This indicates that the established discrete element flexible model can effectively represent actual field conditions, providing discrete element model parameters and theoretical support for optimizing the design of key components in China’s mechanized root stubble handling and residual film recovery machinery.

Nitrogen Fertilisation and Seed Rate Regulation Improved Photosynthesis, Grain Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Ridge–Furrow Cropping

ABSTRACTRidge–furrow cropping patterns, nitrogen fertilisation and seed rate regulation are popular management strategies for improving crop yields in the semi‐arid areas of Northwest China, but their interactive effects on grain yield and water use efficiency remain poorly understood. In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, a two‐season field experiment was conducted on winter wheat. There were two cropping patterns (C), ridge–furrow cropping with film mulch (RC) and traditional cropping without mulch (TC), two nitrogen fertilisation rates (N), 0 and 200 kg N ha−1 (N0 and N1) and three seed rates (S), 240, 360 and 480 plants m−2 (S1, S2 and S3). The study was conducted in a split–split design with three replications (randomised blocks) and a total of 24 experimental plots. It was found that the interactive effects of C × N, C × S and N × S were significant on soil temperature (ST), leaf area index (LAI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic parameters, grain yield (GY) and water use efficiency (WUE) (p &lt; 0.05), while C × N × S was significant only for LAI, aboveground biomass (AGB), GY and WUE (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with TC and N0, RC and N1 significantly increased SPAD value (2.4% and 15.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (19.8% and 32.8%), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) (7.0% and 15.7%) and the effective PSII quantum production (ΦPSII) (10.7% and 5.0%). The highest GY (6773 kg ha−1 over 2020–2021 and 8036 kg ha−1 over 2021–2022) and WUE (20.03 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2020–2021, and 21.77 kg ha−1 mm−1 over 2021–2022) of winter wheat were observed under RC + N1 + S2. The findings showed that the RC cropping pattern with fertilisation and seed rate regulation (360 plants m−2) of winter wheat, which is appropriate for ensuring the long‐term sustainability of agricultural production in the semi‐arid regions of Northwest China, enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic traits, yield and water use efficiency. The study might give useful information for enhancing the productivity and water use efficiency of winter wheat in this and other similar climate locations.

Synthesis and characterization of novel water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) biodegradable mulch films

In this paper, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and hemicellulose derived from water hyacinth were used to prepare hemicellulose-based biodegradable mulch film by covalent cross-linking and ionic cross-linking in order to expand its application in agricultural production practice. The esterification reaction between hemicellulose, CMC and citric acid resulted in an increase in tensile strength and elongation at break of the membranes. When citric acid was not used as cross-linking agent and the pH was lowered, the sodium carboxylate group was protonated into carboxylic acid group, which provided abundant active sites for chemical cross-linking of hydroxyl group on hemicellulose and hydroxyl group on CMC. Furthermore Zn2+ could cross-link with carboxylic acid group through hydrogen bonding, and when the DS of carboxymethyl group was high, the cross-linking of Zn2+ with Zn2+ was higher, and the conversion into nano ZnO was lower, which was conducive to the uniform distribution and reduction of agglomeration phenomenon in the films. It is favorable for its uniform distribution in the film and reduces the agglomeration phenomenon. The mulch films made from water hyacinth has excellent mechanical properties, light transmittance, water absorption, soil moisture retention and heat preservation, and is biodegradable. This study will provide new ideas for water pollution control and farmland pollution for sustainable agricultural production.

Field-grown lettuce production optimized through precision irrigation water management using soil moisture-based capacitance sensors and biodegradable soil mulching

AbstractScientists, environmentalists, and farmers are currently in pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices that can effectively ensure global food security while simultaneously mitigating environmental degradation. A field experiment was conducted to elucidate the impact of low-cost capacitance soil moisture-based sensors on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) irrigation water conservation, agro-physiological aspects, and nutritional characteristics. The experiment also involved the use of five different types of soil mulching films: white geotextile (WGup), green geotextile (GGup), black plastic (BPup), white geotextile for both above and below ground (WGup-down), green geotextile for both above and below ground (GGup-down), in addition to un-mulched soil (control). The findings demonstrated that the application of WGup, BPup, WGup&amp;down, and GGup&amp;down resulted in a significant improvement in irrigation water conservation, with WGup exhibiting the highest savings at 41.86%, while the control group exhibited the least amount of water savings at 19.87%. Moreover, the highest productivity levels were observed in plants mulched with GGup&amp;down, reaching 47,944.68 kg ha−1, whereas the lowest productivity was recorded in plants mulched with green geotextile GGup at 22,377.89 kg ha−1. In terms of irrigation water productivity (IWP), the order of effectiveness was BPup &gt; GGup-down &gt; WGup &gt; WGup-down &gt; GGup &gt; Control, with BPup achieving the highest IWP at 60.19 kg m−3 and the control treatment reporting the lowest at 27.80 kg m−3. The percentage of the irrigation water applied for crop evapotranspiration (Irc) showed that the control treatment saved the least amount of irrigation water, saving only 19.87%, while the best treatment was WGup, achieved the highest percentage of irrigation water savings at 41.86%. Additionally, mulched plants exhibited higher levels of nutrients (N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn), ascorbic acid (AsA), and total phenol content (TPC), while showing lower nitrate content in the leaves compared to non-mulched plants. Overall, the utilization of soil moisture-based capacitance sensors and biodegradable mulching films has proven to be highly effective and low cost by 16.633 US$ year−1 to enhance irrigation water productivity, growth performance, nutritional quality, and overall productivity of lettuce crops, thereby contributing to the sustainability of lettuce production in arid regions.

Biodegradable plastic film mulch increases the mineralisation of organic amendments and prevents nitrate leaching during the growing season in organic vegetable production

AbstractIntroductionOrganic vegetable production relies on inputs of organic forms of nitrogen (N). This presents a challenge as it needs to be mineralised by the soil microbial community. Difficulties matching the timing and rate of organic N amendments to crop demand could potentially lead to high rates of nitrate leaching. The use of plastic film mulch (PFM) has the potential to increase crop yield, accelerate N mineralisation, reduce rainfall infiltration and therefore N leaching. Biodegradable PFM reduces the risk of contaminating soil with plastics. Although these positive effects have been proven in major conventionally grown commodity crops, the effects of PFMs are poorly understood in organic vegetable crops, particularly in moist temperate climates prone to N losses via winter leaching.Materials &amp; MethodsOur plot‐scale field experiment attempted to quantify the effect of biodegradable PFM on N leaching and N mineralisation in organic lettuce production in the presence and absence of biodegradable PFM. It took place in one season within a longer‐term experimental organic vegetable rotation.ResultsWe used two methods to measure the rate of carbon and N mineralisation: the buried bag method showed biodegradable PFM resulted in no additional N mineralisation; however, the ion exchange membrane method indicated an increase in N mineralisation of 30%. During heavy rainfall at the end of the growing season, nitrate leaching was observed only in the non‐PFM plots, leading to N losses equivalent to 6.3 g N m−2. This led to surplus mineral N at harvest of 18.1 g N m−2 in the PFM treatment and 8.6 g N m−2 in the corresponding unmulched plots. This did not lead to more leaching in the mulched plots in the following 6 months.ConclusionIn conclusion, our evidence supports the use of biodegradable PFMs to enhance the sustainability of organic vegetable production systems in temperate climates.

Characterization and Performance Evaluation of Liquid Biodegradable Mulch Films and Its Effects on Peanut Cultivation.

With the development of material science and increasing awareness of ecological environmental protection, liquid biodegradable mulch films (LBDMs) have garnered significant public interest. In this research, new LBDMs were developed using hydrophobically modified polymer materials, surfactants, and photosensitive catalysts. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed good material compatibility. LBDMs exhibited excellent wettability and degradability, effectively covering soil surfaces and enhancing soil moisture conservation, with a degradation rate of 76.09% after 80 days of burial. The field performance experiment was conducted over two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, to assess differences in soil temperature and moisture, peanut agronomic traits, pod traits, and yield under four treatments: non-mulching (CK), LBDMs, clear polyethylene mulch films (CPEMs), and black polyethylene mulch films (BPEMs). LBDMs increased soil temperature by 0.56 °C and soil moisture by 19.25%, accelerated the seedling stage by 4-to-6 days, and improved the average emergence rate by 15.91%. Furthermore, LBDMs significantly promoted peanut growth, and it increased yield by 14.34% compared to CK. LBDMs performed comparably to the two types of PE films in maintaining soil conditions and different crop phenotype traits, including plant height, branch number, yield, and quality, and they even outperformed PE films in productivity per plant and 100-kernel weight. These findings suggest that LBDMs are a promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional PE films.

Combining magnetized water with biodegradable film mulching reshapes soil water-salt distribution and affects processing tomatoes' yield in the arid drip-irrigated field of Northwest China

In arid areas, biodegradable film has recently had the potential to replace polyethylene (PE) film to address plastic pollution. However, the positive effect of biodegradable film on soil moisture and salt control is weaker than that of PE film. Magnetized irrigation water technology is expected to compensate for this limitation. This study comprised a field experiment in 20212023 to study how two types of biodegradable film (M1, black; M2, transparent) and six magnetization intensity on irrigation water (T0, 0 Gs; T1, 1000 Gs; T2, 2000 Gs; T3, 3000 Gs; T4, 4000 Gs; T5, 5000 Gs) affect the degradation rate of biodegradable film, soil watersalt distribution, growth, and quality of processing tomatoes. The traditional PE film mulching and non-magnetized irrigation were used as the control group (MPET0). The results demonstrated that magnetized water irrigation slowed down the degradation rate of biodegradable film. In addition, the magnetized irrigation water can redistributed the soil water-salt patterns under the biodegradable film, improving the soil water content and salt leaching efficiency, with better results in M1 than in M2. Moreover, magnetized water irrigation promoted the growth of tomato leaf area under the biodegradable film, enhancing photochemical efficiency and potential activity of PSII, thereby improving fruit yield, quality, and water use efficiency of tomato. Principal component analysis showed that the comprehensive score of M1T3 treatment was the highest throughout the three years. Furthermore, M1T3 treatment has the highest processing tomato economic benefits during 2021–2023 (24634986 CNY hm2 more than MPET0). Therefore, the use of 3000 Gs magnetized irrigation water combined with black biodegradable film is conducive to improving soil water and salt conditions, reducing residual film pollution, and improving the yield and quality of processing tomatoes, thus ensuring the sustainable development of oasis agriculture.