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The Sustainability of Plastic Nets in Agriculture

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  • Chrysanthos Maraveas

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece)

Abstract

This review article contributes new knowledge relating to the sustainability of antihail, anti-insect, and windbreak plastic nets in agriculture. Based on the review, biobased plastic nets made from polyamino acids, polysaccharide derivatives (DS), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxylalkanoate (PHA), and polylactic acid (PLA) are shown to be highly biodegradable compared to conventional plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl chloride. The biodegradability of these materials is due to the use of natural precursors. However, nonbiodegradable plastics are the materials of choice in agricultural applications for the following reasons. Global commercial production of biobased plastics is low (~1%) due to the absence of facile and scalable production methods. Even though biobased materials are ecologically benign, they are limited in agricultural settings, given the low tensile strength and disruption of the activities of natural insect predators such as spiders. The enhancement of the material properties of biobased plastics involves a trade-off with sustainability. Chemical additives such as heavy metals and volatile compounds enhance the mechanical properties of biobased plastics but limit their sustainability. The current constraints on the production of biobased plastic nets can be resolved through electrospinning techniques that facilitate the development of plastic nets with controllable composition, porosity, and surface areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Chrysanthos Maraveas, 2020. "The Sustainability of Plastic Nets in Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:9:p:3625-:d:352663
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Boini, A. & Bresilla, K. & Perulli, G.D. & Manfrini, L. & Corelli Grappadelli, L. & Morandi, B., 2019. "Photoselective nets impact apple sap flow and fruit growth," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    2. Giacomo Scarascia Mugnozza & Evelia Schettini & Rosa Viviana Loisi & Ileana Blanco & Giuliano Vox, 2016. "Georeferencing of agricultural plastic waste," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2016(1), pages 71-82.
    3. Sergio Castellano & Antonella Di Palma & Giacinto S. Germinara & Marco Lippolis & Giuseppe Starace & Giacomo Scarascia-Mugnozza, 2019. "Experimental Nets for a Protection System against the Vectors of Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-8, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chrysanthos Maraveas, 2020. "Environmental Sustainability of Plastic in Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-15, July.

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