Plastic mulch

**History of Plastic Mulch:**
– Polyethylene film as mulch in plant production began in the mid-1950s.
– Dr. Emery M. Emmert of the University of Kentucky pioneered the use of LDPE and HDPE film as mulch.
– New Zealand’s strawberry growers were early adopters of plastic mulch in the mid-1950s.
– Approximately 2,500 square miles of agricultural land globally use polyethylene mulch for crop production.
– Early polythene laying machines were designed by growers and small workshops.

**Benefits of Plastic Mulch:**
– Plastic mulches alter soil temperature, allowing earlier planting and faster growth.
– They reduce water evaporation from the soil, leading to less irrigation needs.
– Plastic mulches prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight to the soil.
– Drip irrigation with plastic mulch reduces leaching of fertilizers.
– Plastic mulches keep fruits off the soil, improving crop quality.

**Disadvantages and Alternatives:**
– Using plastic mulches is costlier than planting in bare soil due to equipment and labor.
– Removal and disposal of conventional plastics used as mulch films pose environmental concerns.
– Accumulation of conventional plastics in soil can lead to crop yield reduction and environmental issues.
– Biodegradable polymers offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics for mulch films.
– Aliphatic polyesters and aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters show promise as biodegradable polymers.

**Impact of Plastic Mulch on Soil:**
– Dark and clear mulches warm the soil, allowing for earlier planting and faster growth.
– White mulch reflects heat, reducing soil temperature, beneficial for mid-summer planting.
– Plastic mulches alter soil temperature positively impacting plant growth.
– Plastic mulches help establish plants in cooler soil conditions.
– Altering soil temperature with plastic mulches influences crop yield.

**Soil Moisture Management with Plastic Mulch:**
– Plastic mulches reduce water evaporation from the soil.
– They aid in evenly distributing moisture to the soil, reducing plant stress.
– Plastic mulches help conserve water resources in agriculture.
– Proper soil moisture retention leads to improved plant growth.
– Combining drip irrigation with plastic mulches enhances soil moisture management.