Comparative disintegration/biodegradation of biodegradable in soil mulching films under field conditions in South and North Europe

Key knowledge gaps for the biodegradability in soil of biodegradable mulching films include possible effects of different climatic and environmental conditions due to limited comparative studies under real field conditions. Τhe comparative disintegration, as an indication of biodegradation, of starch based biodegradable in soil mulching films under field conditions, was investigated in southern and northern Europe. In the case of the northern climate of Finland, two dominant inhibiting factors were identified: low winter temperatures, and strongly to moderately acidic soil, impeding microbial activity. These factors, combined with notable negative conditions, led to a disintegration of 32% in 29 months. Conversely, the same film in Greece was fully disintegrated in 5-7 months. The disintegration rate of a similar film in Italy under comparable climatic conditions with those of Greece, was significantly lower (84% in 29 months). The composition analysis of this film revealed an unexpected differentiation in its synthesis. The attribution to films with different formulation of the same certification and labelling of the final mulching products as biodegradable in soil creates confusion among farmers, industry, policy makers and scientists. This lack could represent an obstacle to the proper use and evaluation of biodegradability in soil of mulching films. Another challenge is the development of biodegradable materials, designed for different climatic and soil environments.