IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jagris/v12y2022i6p865-d839724.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Humic and Acetic Acids Have the Potential to Enhance Deterioration of Select Plastic Soil-Biodegradable Mulches in a Mediterranean Climate

Author

Listed:
  • Brenda Madrid

    (Department of Horticulture, Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Washington State University, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA)

  • Huan Zhang

    (Department of Horticulture, Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Washington State University, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA)

  • Carol A. Miles

    (Department of Horticulture, Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Washington State University, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA)

  • Michael Kraft

    (Scientific Technical Services, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA)

  • Deirdre Griffin-LaHue

    (Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Washington State University, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA)

  • Lisa Wasko DeVetter

    (Department of Horticulture, Northwestern Washington Research & Extension Center, Washington State University, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA)

Abstract

The perceived variability of plastic soil-biodegradable mulch (BDM) degradation has generated concerns about its functionality and sustainability, especially in climates and regions where biodegradation may be limited. This study evaluated the effects of surface-applied products (compost tea, dairy-based compost, humic and acetic acids) on the surface deterioration and visible degradation of three plastic BDMs (BASF 0.6, Novamont 0.6, and Novamont 0.7) and one cellulose paper mulch (WeedGuard Plus) in a Mediterranean climate. Deterioration was monitored for 10 months, and degradation was evaluated 6- and 12 months following soil incorporation. Deterioration varied between the two years of the study; however, the average deterioration for WeedGuard Plus reached 100%, BASF 0.6 and Novamont 0.6 achieved ≥80%, while Novamont 0.7 reached ≥70%. Application of humic and acetic acids increased BASF 0.6 deterioration, but only humic acid increased Novamont 0.7 deterioration. Scanning electron microscopy of mulch surfaces demonstrated evidence of microbial colonization; however, the surface-applied products did not enhance microbial counts. In-soil degradation of BDMs was inconsistent, but faster degradation occurred overall for starch- and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT)-based BDMs. Future studies should continue to explore on-farm strategies to enhance in-soil degradation to meet the production system’s goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Brenda Madrid & Huan Zhang & Carol A. Miles & Michael Kraft & Deirdre Griffin-LaHue & Lisa Wasko DeVetter, 2022. "Humic and Acetic Acids Have the Potential to Enhance Deterioration of Select Plastic Soil-Biodegradable Mulches in a Mediterranean Climate," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:6:p:865-:d:839724
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/6/865/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/12/6/865/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brodhagen, Marion & Goldberger, Jessica R. & Hayes, Douglas G. & Inglis, Debra Ann & Marsh, Thomas L. & Miles, Carol, 2017. "Policy considerations for limiting unintended residual plastic in agricultural soils," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 81-84.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Gołębiewska, Barbara & Grontkowska, Anna & Gębska, Monika, 2020. "Education As The Differentiating Factor In Applying Sustainable Development Principles On Farms," Roczniki (Annals), Polish Association of Agricultural Economists and Agribusiness - Stowarzyszenie Ekonomistow Rolnictwa e Agrobiznesu (SERiA), vol. 2020(3).
    2. Shengnan Huang & Ehsan Elahi, 2022. "Farmers’ Preferences for Recycling Pesticide Packaging Waste: An Implication of a Discrete Choice Experiment Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-13, October.
    3. Zhao, Zhiyuan & Zheng, Wei & Ma, Yanting & Wang, Xianling & Li, Ziyan & Zhai, Bingnian & Wang, Zhaohui, 2020. "Responses of soil water, nitrate and yield of apple orchard to integrated soil management in Loess Plateau, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    4. Liu, Zihan & Cai, Lu & Dong, Qinge & Zhao, Xiaoli & Han, Jianqiao, 2022. "Effects of microplastics on water infiltration in agricultural soil on the Loess Plateau, China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).
    5. Yang, Zhiyuan & Zhu, Yuemei & Zhang, Xiaoli & Liao, Qin & Fu, Hao & Cheng, Qingyue & Chen, Zongkui & Sun, Yongjian & Ma, Jun & Zhang, Jinyue & Li, Liangyu & Li, Na, 2023. "Unmanned aerial vehicle direct seeding or integrated mechanical transplanting, which will be the next step for mechanized rice production in China? —A comparison based on energy use efficiency and eco," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).
    6. Ji Chen & Xiao Chen & Jin Guo & Runyun Zhu & Mengran Liu & Xixi Kuang & Wenqing He & Yao Lu, 2021. "Agricultural, Ecological, and Social Insights: Residual Mulch Film Management Capacity and Policy Recommendations Based on Evidence in Yunnan Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, February.
    7. Jessica R. Goldberger, 2018. "2018 AFHVS presidential address," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 35(4), pages 899-904, December.
    8. Jaime Villena & Marta M. Moreno & Sara González-Mora & Jesús A. López-Perales & Pablo A. Morales-Rodríguez & Carmen Moreno, 2022. "Degradation Pattern of Five Biodegradable, Potentially Low-Environmental-Impact Mulches under Laboratory Conditions," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-18, November.
    9. Martin Henseler & Micheal Bernard Gallagher & Peter Kreins, 2022. "Microplastic pollution in agricultural soils and abatement measures – a model-based assessment for Germany," Post-Print hal-03176598, HAL.
    10. Deepak Agrawal & Armin Bashashati, 2024. "Hospitals Should Offer Straws Only on Demand to the Public and Patients—An Environmental and Patient Care Imperative," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-8, January.
    11. Yuxin Deng & Zijie Zeng & Weiying Feng & Jing Liu & Fang Yang, 2024. "Characteristics and Migration Dynamics of Microplastics in Agricultural Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-16, January.
    12. Guoqun Ma & Minjuan Li & Yuxi Luo & Tuanbiao Jiang, 2023. "Agri-Ecological Policy, Human Capital and Agricultural Green Technology Progress," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, April.
    13. Jieru Yu & Samuel Adingo & Xuelu Liu & Xiaodan Li & Jing Sun & Xiaoning Zhang, 2022. "Micro plastics in soil ecosystem - A review of sources, fate, and ecological impact," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 68(1), pages 1-17.
    14. Liang, Yonghui & Wen, Yue & Meng, Yu & Li, Haiqiang & Song, Libing & Zhang, Jinzhu & Ma, Zhanli & Han, Yue & Wang, Zhenhua, 2024. "Effects of biodegradable film types and drip irrigation amounts on maize growth and field carbon sequestration in arid northwest China," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    15. Huang, Fangyuan & Liu, Zihan & Li, Zhaoyang & Wang, Bingfan & Zhang, Peng & Jia, ZhiKuan, 2022. "Is biodegradable film an alternative to polyethylene plastic film for improving maize productivity in rainfed agricultural areas? — Evidence from field experiments," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    16. Rong Xu & Yating Zhan & Jialan Zhang & Qiang He & Kuan Zhang & Dingde Xu & Yanbin Qi & Xin Deng, 2022. "Does Construction of High-Standard Farmland Improve Recycle Behavior of Agricultural Film? Evidence from Sichuan, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-14, October.
    17. Chen, Ning & Li, Xianyue & Shi, Haibin & Zhang, Yuehong & Hu, Qi & Sun, Ya’nan, 2023. "Modeling effects of biodegradable film mulching on evapotranspiration and crop yields in Inner Mongolia," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    18. 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.
    19. Anwar Abduwaiti & Xiaowei Liu & Changrong Yan & Yinghao Xue & Tuo Jin & Hongqi Wu & Pengcheng He & Zhe Bao & Qin Liu, 2021. "Testing Biodegradable Films as Alternatives to Plastic-Film Mulching for Enhancing the Yield and Economic Benefits of Processed Tomato in Xinjiang Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-13, March.
    20. Tobias D. Nielsen & Jacob Hasselbalch & Karl Holmberg & Johannes Stripple, 2020. "Politics and the plastic crisis: A review throughout the plastic life cycle," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 9(1), January.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:6:p:865-:d:839724. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.