The use of biodegradable mulch films on strawberry crop in Portugal

The use of plastic mulch films in agriculture had its beginning in the middle of last century and since then its use has been intensified, with all the environmental problems related to their disposal. The biodegradable mulch films, which can be incorporated in the soil at the end of the crop cycle, appear as a possible solution for this problem. The goal of this work was to assess the performance of five biodegradable mulch films when comparing to conventional polyethylene (PE), in strawberry production (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The field tests were performed for two years in the region of Ribatejo—Portugal. Taking into account that there are few studies regarding the biodegradation rate of these new materials under Mediterranean soil and weather conditions, it was important to assess the effectiveness of their biodegradability. In laboratory, the biodegradation was assessed by respirometric test, and in the field, by measuring the percentage of area lost on buried mulch films, along time. The biodegradable mulch films had similarly good results when comparing to the PE, with no significant differences in productivity or quality. Overall, the new biodegradable mulch films appear to be a viable substitute to the PE.