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Soil Bioplastic Mulches for Agroecosystem Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina Abbate

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Aurelio Scavo

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Gaetano Roberto Pesce

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Stefania Fontanazza

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Alessia Restuccia

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Giovanni Mauromicale

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

The use of plastic mulch films is widespread in agriculture for specialty cropping systems because of several benefits. In this article, we critically review, for the first time under a holistic approach, the use of biodegradable plastic mulches (BdPMs) in soil as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, highlighting the current state of understanding of their degradation in soil and their effect on soil microorganisms, weed control, and soil properties. In addition, we provide a detailed focus on the history and economic importance of mulching. BdPMs are effective for use in vegetable production in that they improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties, as well as enhancing microbial biodiversity, controlling weeds, and maintaining soil moisture. BdPMs could be useful to limit the use of agrochemicals and reduce tillage and irrigation supplies for sustainable management.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Abbate & Aurelio Scavo & Gaetano Roberto Pesce & Stefania Fontanazza & Alessia Restuccia & Giovanni Mauromicale, 2023. "Soil Bioplastic Mulches for Agroecosystem Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-30, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:1:p:197-:d:1034274
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wang, Hong & Wang, Chenbing & Zhao, Xiumei & Wang, Falin, 2015. "Mulching increases water-use efficiency of peach production on the rainfed semiarid Loess Plateau of China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 20-28.
    2. Fernandez, J. E. & Moreno, F. & Murillo, J. M. & Cuevas, M. V. & Kohler, F., 2001. "Evaluating the effectiveness of a hydrophobic polymer for conserving water and reducing weed infection in a sandy loam soil," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 29-51, October.
    3. Chen, Ning & Li, Xianyue & Šimůnek, Jirí & Shi, Haibin & Ding, Zongjiang & Peng, Zunyuan, 2019. "Evaluating the effects of biodegradable film mulching on soil water dynamics in a drip-irrigated field," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    4. Adhikari, Raju & Bristow, Keith L. & Casey, Philip S. & Freischmidt, George & Hornbuckle, John W. & Adhikari, Benu, 2016. "Preformed and sprayable polymeric mulch film to improve agricultural water use efficiency," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 1-13.
    5. Jensen, M.H. & Malter, A.J., 1995. "Protected Agriculture: A Global Review," Papers 253, World Bank - Technical Papers.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jorge Mongil-Manso & Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta & Juan Manuel Trujillo-González & Ana San José Wery & Alexandra Díez Méndez, 2023. "A Comprehensive Review of Plastics in Agricultural Soils: A Case Study of Castilla y León (Spain) Farmlands," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, October.

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