Plasticulture

**Types of Plastics Used:**
– Polyethylene (PE) is widely used in plasticulture due to its affordability, flexibility, and ease of manufacturing.
– PE comes in various forms like low density (LDPE) and linear low density (LLDPE).
– Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used for agricultural plant packaging cord.

**Applications of Plastics in Agriculture:**
– Greenhouses and walk-in tunnel covers are made from plastic films ranging from 80-220μm thick with a lifespan of 6-45 months.
– Small tunnel covers are thinner, about 1m wide and 1m high, with a lifespan of 6-8 months.
– Plastic mulch is used for controlling temperature, humidity, moisture evaporation, and weed growth.

**Origins and Development of Plasticulture:**
– Plastic film in agriculture originated in the 1940s as a cost-effective alternative to glasshouses.
– By 1999, nearly 30 million acres worldwide were covered in plastic mulch.
– Plastic growth in agriculture is concentrated in economically poor regions and desert areas, with advancements in produce yield, size, and growth time.

**Large-Scale Usage and Developments:**
– Southern Spain, particularly around Almería, showcases rapid growth in plasticulture.
– Plastic coverings are extensively used in agriculture in the region to increase produce yield and size, shorten growth time, and improve film properties.

**Environmental Impact and Regulations:**
– Plastic used in agriculture was projected to reach 6.7 million tons in 2019, constituting 2% of global plastic production.
– Plastic degradation into microplastics harms soil health and beneficial organisms.
– Some governments, like the European Union, are starting to regulate plasticulture to address plastic waste on farms.