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Development and Evaluation of Biodegradable Weed Control Mulch Mats from End-of-Use Cotton Waste

Author

Listed:
  • Huantian Cao

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Kendall Ludwig

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Kelly Cobb

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Carmyia Scott

    (Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Yan Jin

    (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Bridget Knight

    (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Mary Burrichter

    (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Hongqing Shen

    (Cotton Incorporated, Cary, NC 27513, USA)

Abstract

This research used end-of-use cotton apparel to develop mulch mats, a type of agrotextiles. The researchers collected and sorted end-of-use garments to obtain cotton textile waste. These end-of-use garments were deconstructed to obtain shredded textiles and big pieces of textiles. Using the textiles from deconstructed end-of-use garments, together with a small amount of new cotton fibers, the researchers used a Feltloom to develop needle-punched nonwoven fabrics that can be used as mulch mats. The researchers tested textile properties of these mulch mats and conducted agricultural field tests for weed control and pot tests for biodegradation. The researchers also tested the mulch mats’ soil moisture infiltration, and impact on water evaporation. The nonwoven mulch mats made from end-of-use garments have excellent weed inhibition capability and biodegradability. Compared to plastic mulch sheet, the nonwoven mulch mats are better for water utilization in rainfall watering and sprinkle irrigation but poorer in water conservation in drip irrigation. Considering durability, biodegradability, and soil temperature regulation, it is recommended to use 100% cotton and felt four times to produce mulch mats from end-of-use garments.

Suggested Citation

  • Huantian Cao & Kendall Ludwig & Kelly Cobb & Carmyia Scott & Yan Jin & Bridget Knight & Mary Burrichter & Hongqing Shen, 2024. "Development and Evaluation of Biodegradable Weed Control Mulch Mats from End-of-Use Cotton Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:7083-:d:1458784
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    Cited by:

    1. Kedron Thomas & Hira Durrani & Julia Brady & Kendall Ludwig & Michelle Yatvitskiy & Abigail R. Clarke-Sather & Huantian Cao & Kelly Cobb, 2024. "Fundamental Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Circularity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-18, December.

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