Fluid biomulching based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and fillers from renewable resources |
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| Authors: | E. Chiellini P. Cinelli S. Magni S. Miele C. Palla |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Unit of Research (UdR) Consortium National Inter University Material Science & Technology (INSTM), Department of Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Risorgimento 35, 56126 Pisa, Italy;2. Department of Agronomy & Agroecosystem Management, University of Pisa, Via S. Michele degli Scalzi 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy |
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| Abstract: | This article reports on the results obtained in an investigation on the application of biodegradable polymeric materials in the agricultural practice of mulching. Particular attention has been devoted to the effect of biobased mulching films generated in situ by low‐pressure spraying of polymeric water dispersions on the various cultivars. In a field trial, the effectiveness of the hydromulching (liquid‐mulching) technique was assessed by the monitoring of the growth and yield of lettuce and corn, which were used as reference plants. Conventional plastic films and straw mulching (SM) were compared with liquid‐mulching treatments based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and natural fillers derived from agroindustrial wastes (sugar cane bagasse, wheat flour, saw dust, and wheat straw). An improvement of the biomass yield of the two selected plants with respect to conventional polyethylene mulching was attained in various liquid‐mulching formulations with positive effects on the maintenance of soil structure. Alternative fluid‐mulching treatments based on biodegradable components were effective in preserving soil aggregates and improving some crop growth parameters. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 |
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| Keywords: | biodegradable fibers renewable resources waste |
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