Biodegradable mulch films are increasingly being used in agriculture, and this poses the need to understand more about their post-use phase. This research focuses on the fate of a biodegradable mulch film, based on starch and polybutylene succinate, in agricultural soil. The study is based on an experimental field test carried out for 16 months at the experimental farm of the University of Bari (Southern Italy), consisting in burial and periodic retrieval of pristine and UV-aged biodegradable mulch film. The soil and the films were physically and chemically characterized before and after the burial period. The film degradation over time produced macro- and micro-plastics that were analysed. Both the pristine and the aged samples showed physical and chemical alterations since the beginning of the field test. Material surface loss and starch depletion were observed, especially for the aged samples. After burial, the relative content of aromatic moieties in the film increased, and microplastics were released in the soil. The latter were extracted and investigated in terms of composition and amount released in soil. This research, based on real field conditions, addresses the emerging issue of the biodegradation of mulch films. The presented results aim at drawing attention to the need for experimental field tests to investigate the actual impacts that the use of biodegradable mulch films has on soil. This is ever more urgent and imperative to preserve the health of the soil and the whole agroecosystem.
Analysis of biodegradable mulch films behaviour after a field test
Convertino F.;Dell’Acqua A. C.;Schettini E.
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2024-01-01
Abstract
Biodegradable mulch films are increasingly being used in agriculture, and this poses the need to understand more about their post-use phase. This research focuses on the fate of a biodegradable mulch film, based on starch and polybutylene succinate, in agricultural soil. The study is based on an experimental field test carried out for 16 months at the experimental farm of the University of Bari (Southern Italy), consisting in burial and periodic retrieval of pristine and UV-aged biodegradable mulch film. The soil and the films were physically and chemically characterized before and after the burial period. The film degradation over time produced macro- and micro-plastics that were analysed. Both the pristine and the aged samples showed physical and chemical alterations since the beginning of the field test. Material surface loss and starch depletion were observed, especially for the aged samples. After burial, the relative content of aromatic moieties in the film increased, and microplastics were released in the soil. The latter were extracted and investigated in terms of composition and amount released in soil. This research, based on real field conditions, addresses the emerging issue of the biodegradation of mulch films. The presented results aim at drawing attention to the need for experimental field tests to investigate the actual impacts that the use of biodegradable mulch films has on soil. This is ever more urgent and imperative to preserve the health of the soil and the whole agroecosystem.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
