Current Trends of Polymer Materials’ Application in Agriculture

Kamila Lewicka, Izabela Szymanek, Diana Rogacz, Magdalena Wrzalik, Jakub Łagiewka, Anna Nowik-Zając, Iwona Zawierucha, Sergiu Coseri, Ioan Puiu, Halina Falfushynska and Piotr Rychter ()
Additional contact information
Kamila Lewicka: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Izabela Szymanek: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Diana Rogacz: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Magdalena Wrzalik: Faculty of Law and Economics, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 2/4 Zbierskiego Str., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Jakub Łagiewka: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Anna Nowik-Zając: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Iwona Zawierucha: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
Sergiu Coseri: “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy, 41 A, Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
Ioan Puiu: Department of Plant Science, Iasi University of Life Sciences, 3 Sadoveanu Alley, 700490 Iasi, Romania
Halina Falfushynska: Faculty of Economics, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06406 Bernburg, Germany
Piotr Rychter: Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej Av., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-90

Abstract: In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis.

Keywords: agricultural polymers; ecological agriculture; biodegradable polymers; bio-based polymers; controlled release of agrochemicals; mulching films; functional polymers for agriculture; environmentally friendly polymers; polymers for agriculture; agrochemicals with prolonged activity; European Union; EU legal regulations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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