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The prolonged use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) based mulching films has resulted in significant environmental pollution. Due to the thickness of the plastic film and the difficulty of recovery, these films are often intentionally or unintentionally discarded directly into agricultural soils, and their residues are nothing but a direct source of meso-, micro- and nanoplastics, which also lead to serious side effects on human health. To ensure the sustainability of agriculture, there is great interest in developing biodegradable bio-based polymer films for agricultural mulching that can be directly incorporated into the soil after use.
The Mulching+ project aims to develop biodegradable polymer films that can be directly buried in the soil after use, enhancing their environmental sustainability. In nature polysaccharides are abundant, versatile, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Their chemical functionalities can be tailored for specific applications, making them ideal for supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
FIRST RESULTS
The first results, detailed below, are promising and show that MULCHING+ films don’t compromise the soil fertility, but modify positively the soil characteristics, fostering a sustainable management of the agricultural ecosystems, decreasing input of chemical fertilizers and providing alternatives to the use of conventional plastics.
ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
Ciaramitaro, V., Piacenza, E., Paliaga, S., Cavallaro, G., Badalucco, L., Laudicina, V. A., & Chillura Martino, D. F. (2024). Exploring the Feasibility of Polysaccharide-Based Mulch Films with Controlled Ammonium and Phosphate Ions Release for Sustainable Agriculture. Polymers, 16(16), 2298. doi.org/10.3390/polym16162298
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