Alternative and emerging mulch technologies for organic and sustainable agriculture in the United States: A review

Authors: SHCHERBATYUK, NATALIYA - Washington State University; WORTMAN, SAM - University Of Nebraska; MCFADDEN, DAKOTA - Washington State University; WEISS, BEN - Washington State University; Weyers, Sharon; AHMAD, WAQAS - North Dakota State University; BAJWA, DILPREET - Montana State University; GALINATO, SUZETTE - Washington State University; FORMIGA, ALICE - Oregon State University; GRAMIG, GRETA - North Dakota State University; WASKO DEVETTER, LISA - Washington State University

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/8/2024
Publication Date: 9/18/2024
Citation: Shcherbatyuk, N., Wortman, S.E., McFadden, D., Weiss, B., Weyers, S.L., Ahmad, W., Bajwa, D.S., Galinato, S.P., Formiga, A., Gramig, G., Wasko Devetter, L. 2024. Alternative and emerging mulch technologies for organic and sustainable agriculture in the United States: A review. HortScience. 59(10):1524-1533. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18029-24.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI18029-24

Interpretive Summary: Plastic mulches made from non-biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and soil and crop canopy temperature modifications. However, there is increasing concern about the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with plastic film use in horticultural production. This review article provides an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. How these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is discussed and opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research are identified. This review will help guide researchers in developing improved mulch technologies for organic and sustainable agriculture.

Technical Abstract: Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.