Other applications of photodegradable plastics in agriculture

Generally speaking, the applications of photodegradable products are closely linked to what is referred to as plasticulture. Wherever plastic films or other products are used or being introduced, controlled degradability has an important contribution to make. 

When young saplings are grafted with bark grafts the incision is covered by a rubber band or strips of plastic material. As the graft takes, these strips have to be manually removed. It has been successfully shown that photodegradable polyethylene strips can be used, eliminating the need to collect and dispose the used bands. This application has become very popular in rose-bush nurseries. 

In greenhouses, twine is used for the training of vegetable crops and after the harvest great quantities of the twines are removed. The controlled degradation method has been successfully applied. 

The use of plastic netting against soil erosion has a very wide application for road and railway embankments and in soil stabilization in general. This application is well suited for time-controlled degradation. 

The special properties of photodegradable plastics can be utilized for controlled release of pesticides, weed killers or fertilizers. The low density of PE can be utilized for distribution on bodies of water. Work has been done in this sector but no commercial application has emerged so far. 

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