FRiends, I heard lot of good things about Mulch sheets especially advantages and I am fully convinced
now comes the next question i.e. about disadvantages especially when it comes to disposal or removal of the mulch sheet from field at the end of its life cycle. Can you please share what are the best practices you followed .
Also are there any companies that are better than others? like KOthari 30microns?
I am getting quotes from different companies anywhere ranging from 1800/roll of 400 meters to 2500/roll of 400 meters.
Please share your thoughts and experiences and learnings
Certified organic farmers are currently allowed to use conventional polyethylene mulch, provided it is removed from the field
at the end of the growing or harvest season. To some, such use represents a contradiction between the resource conservation
goals of sustainable, organic agriculture and the waste generated from the use of polyethylene mulch. One possible solution is to
use biodegradable plastic as mulch, which could present an alternative to polyethylene in reducing non-recyclable
waste and decreasing the environmental pollution associated with it.
Plastic mulch films in agriculture
Polyethylene plastic mulch is widely used for crop production worldwide, because it controls weeds, conserves soil moisture,
increases soil temperature, improves crop yield and quality, has a relatively low cost, and is readily available
BUT The high volume of waste generated by polyethylene mulches both in the field and in landfills raises many concerns (Figure 1)
Figure 1. (a) Typical post-season polyethylene plastic mulch waste in the field. (b) Ready for transport to the landfill.
Photo Credit: C. Miles, Washington State University. From Corbin et al.
Figure 2. (a) Starch-based biodegradable plastic mulch in experimental field plots during harvest, 135 days after laying mulch.
(b) 9 months post-harvest on soil surface, 348 days after laying mulch.
(c) 9 months post-incorporation, 348 days after laying mulch.
Photo Credits: J. Cowan (2a) and C. Miles (2a, 2b), Washington State University. From Corbin et al.,
Here are some suppliers of Biodegradable Plastic Mulch
tifac.org.in/index.php?optio … Itemid=205
( Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC)
Department of Science and Technology (DST) GOVT of INDIA ]
Bio-degradable mulches are pretty expensive as compared to plastic mulch films. Also, you need to have thicker films as bio degardable mulches tend to tear easily. Care must be taken while choosing plastic mulches. A number of manufacturers offer commercial mulches which are highly unreliable though they may seem economical. Refrain from buying such films as they turn out to be more expensive than good mulch films which initially may cost you more. ESSEN SUNCOOL is one of the best buys. It has lot nos, etc. printed every meter. They also have a superior range “EMBOZZED”. This is a highly sophisticated mulch offered by very few companies World over.
