Classification of Degradable Mulch Films and Their Promotional Effects and Limitations on Agricultural Production

Zhiwen Song, Lei Zhao, Junguo Bi, Qingyun Tang, Guodong Wang () and Yuxiang Li ()
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Zhiwen Song: Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecological Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University/Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi 832003, China
Lei Zhao: Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecological Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University/Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi 832003, China
Junguo Bi: Shanghai Agrobiological Gene Center, Shanghai 201106, China
Qingyun Tang: Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecological Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University/Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi 832003, China
Guodong Wang: Key Laboratory of Water–Saving Agriculture in Northwest Oasis/Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi 832000, China
Yuxiang Li: Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecological Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University/Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Shihezi 832003, China

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-19

Abstract: Film mulching technology has greatly improved the efficiency of agricultural production. However, it also causes environmental problems such as soil contamination. Biodegradable mulch films, which represent environmentally friendly alternatives, present different characteristics depending on regional differences and crop growth differences. This review was based on the literature and data collected from databases such as the Web of Science. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the development, types and degradation characteristics of biodegradable mulch films. The following conclusions are presented: (1) Applying biodegradable mulch films can conserve water, maintain the soil temperature, improve soil nutrition, increase the soil respiration rate, and promote soil microbial activity. (2) Biodegradable mulch films promote crop root system development, suppress weeds, shorten the crop growth cycle, improve crop emergence rates, and expand the planting range of crops. (3) At present, the incomplete degradability of biodegradable mulch films, their relatively high cost and the potential harm to soil from their degradation products still limit their widespread use in agricultural production. The aim of this study is to provide a reference for future research and for the application of biodegradable mulch films in the hope of promoting their role in the sustainable development of agriculture.

Keywords: degradable mulch film; temperature increase and moisture retention; agricultural production; soil pollution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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