Application of Walki®Biomass cover as a better alternative to plastic mulching

Abstract

Mulch is a material that works as a protective layer over the soil so as to retain water and prevent excess evaporation. They are either in the form of continuous sheets like plastic mulch or they come in a shredded form, like wood chips etc. Plastic mulching, though it’s not good for the soil is one of the most widely used mulch materials. The main problem with plastic mulching is its disposal after use, since it being non-biodegradable it cannot be decomposed. So, all that plastic accumulates in the soil, and can cause environmental hazards. In recent years research has been conducted to find a better alternative to plastic mulching, including invention of the biodegradable plastic. It was found that biodegradable plastic had remarkably similar temperature and water retention properties but was coming at a higher price than regular plastic. This thesis is focused on achieving the purpose of mulching using Walki Biomass cover, a paper-based laminate that also has a mesh of biodegradable plastic which is partly water resistant and is a 100% biodegradable.