Ag Alert Mar. 9, 2022

Biodegradable alternatives to plastic mulch tested ByBob Johnson

Plasticmulch protects some long-sea- son crops fromweeds, reduces irrigation water loss to evaporation and boosts yields. But it alsomay leave tiny particles that can threaten soil health. Agricultureuses 1.5million tonsof plas- ticmulcha year globally,mostly inChina. Now potential downsides of its use in California strawberry fields are drawing scrutiny, and growers are increasingly experimenting with sustainable, plant- basedmulches, as research continues on improving biodegradable products that aren’t harmful to soil. “California farmers dispose of 51,000 tons of plastic annually,” said Seeta Sistla, a soil ecologist at California Polytechnic State Universi ty, San Luis Obispo. “Strawberries account for more than 10,000 tons of plasticwaste a year. We see plastic pieces left in the field after mulch is removed.” Although the tarp is removed after the season, small plastic particles are left be- hind and can become permanent parts of the soil. “Plastic is building up in fields even when it is removed after the season,” Sistla said. “Plastic is accumulating in many agricultural systems. We see plas- tic pieces left in the field after mulch is removed. They arenot deteriorating; they

Seeta Sistla, a soil ecologist at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is researching new methods to curb plastic waste in strawberry fields.

But according to Sistla, nanoparticles of plastic stay behind and are found in plants, earthworms and chickens. Once in the soil, these particles reduce germi- nation, root growth and shoot growth, she said. The strawberry industry is taking a close look at biodegradable alternatives to the plastic mulch commonly used to manage weeds and save water. At Watsonville-area Driscoll’s and Naturipe strawberry fields, results from

preliminary trials of corn-based mulch that can be incorporated into the soil where it breaks down naturally have been promising. “The growers were pleased; they had no loss of yields,” said Lisa De Vetter, Washington State University associate professor of small fruit horticulture. De Vetter and Sistla recently discussed their studies as researchers talked about See PLASTIC, Page 17

are accumulating in the soil.” Monterey County now has an ambi- tious programof recycling plastic mulch and drip-irrigation tape, and other California regions have similar initiatives. Sistla said the presence of plastic par- ticlesmay reduce soil microbial biomass and impact nutrient cycling. Studies in the works are looking at the impact these nanoparticles of plastic have on long-term yields.

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16 Ag Alert March 9, 2022