The role of degradable polymers in agricultural systems

The longstanding practice of mulching has undergone considerable development since the introduction of plastics materials to replace natural products. 

The introduction of photo-biodegradable plastic films substantially prevents the problems commonly arising from the use of other, non-speciality plastic products, thus extending the agricultural benefits and environmental compatibility of this technique in mechanical harvesting of herbaceous crops. 

Research in this field has shown that it is possible to regulate the degradation times of the plastic films to meet the requirements of the crops involved. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the degradation residues are neither pollutants, nor are they noxious to the crops concerned. 

Research activities directed towards the application of polyolefins in agriculture have been particularly concerned with making products which can modify or control environmental conditions. The reason for this is the link between yields, quantity and quality of the crops, and the condition of the soil and of the plant environment. In field cultivation the natural conditions, such as soil and climate can neither be optimized nor modified plastic products are an instrument available to the grower which aims to reduce the environmental limitations. 

Due to their characteristics these products can be assigned to three distinct categories of application cultivation, crop protection and irrigation. 

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Fabbri A (1995) The role of degradable polymers in agricultural systems. In Scott G, Gilead D (eds) Degradable polymers principles and applications. Chapman 8c Hall, London, chap 11... 

Fabbri, A., 1995, The Role of Degradable Polymers in Agricultural Systems. In Degradable Polymers Principles and Applications (G. Scott and D. Gilead, eds.). Chapman Hall, London, pp. 200-215. 

Fabbri A (1995) The role of Degradable Polymers in Agricultural Systems in Scott G and Gilead D, eds.. Degradable Polymers Principles and Application, I edition. Chapman Hall (Kluwer Acad. Pub.), Chapter 11. 

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