A review of non-petroleum alternatives of plastic mulches in agriculture: Knowledge gaps and future recommendations

Basit Öğe Kaydı
dc.contributor.authorGundogdu, Sedat
dc.contributor.authorAkca, Muhittin Onur
dc.contributor.authorOzkan, Ilkan
dc.contributor.authorSaridas, Mehmet Ali
dc.contributor.authorKucukel, Ezgi
dc.contributor.authorRodriguez-Seijo, Andres
dc.contributor.authorEr, Eylul
dc.contributor.authorTurgay, Oguz Can
dc.date.accessioned2026-02-27T07:33:28Z
dc.date.available2026-02-27T07:33:28Z
dc.date.issued2026
dc.description.abstractPlastic mulch films have long been favored in agriculture due to their ability to boost crop yields, conserve moisture, and manage weed growth. However, the environmental persistence of plastic residues in soils, particularly the formation of microplastics (MPs), has raised concerns regarding soil health and ecosystem biodiversity. This review investigates alternative solutions to conventional petroleum-based plastic mulches, exploring biodegradable polymers, natural fibers, and other sustainable materials. Biodegradable plastics show potential but present challenges in terms of incomplete degradation, which still leads to microplastic formation. Additionally, their cost and effectiveness under various agricultural conditions remain uncertain. Other alternatives, such as natural fiber mulches, offer eco-friendly options but face similar hurdles concerning durability and large-scale applicability. The review emphasizes the knowledge gaps in understanding the environmental impact of biodegradable mulches and calls for comprehensive research into their long-term effects on soil health. Sustainable waste management practices are also identified as crucial for mitigating plastic pollution in agriculture. The findings highlight the need for innovation in the development of biodegradable and recyclable alternatives to petroleum-based plastic mulches, ensuring that they meet both agricultural and environmental sustainability goals.
dc.description.sponsorshipScientific Research Projects unit of Cukurova University [FBA-2023-15165]; BAGEP 2024 Award of the Science Academy; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK) [1059B192100442]; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion [IJC 2020-044197-I]
dc.description.sponsorshipThe work of Sedat Guendogdu is supported by project number FBA-2023-15165 from the Scientific Research Projects unit of Cukurova University. This work was also supported by the BAGEP 2024 Award of the Science Academy. The work of Muhittin Onur Akca is supported by project number 1059B192100442 from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TUBITAK). Andres Rodriguez-Seijo was supported by IJC 2020-044197-I from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion.
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.eja.2025.127831
dc.identifier.issn1161-0301
dc.identifier.issn1873-7331
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2025.127831
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14669/4592
dc.identifier.volume172
dc.identifier.wosWOS:001565694700001
dc.indekslendigikaynakWeb of Science
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherElsevier
dc.relation.ispartofEuropean Journal of Agronomy
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Uluslararas� Hakemli Dergi - Kurum ��retim Eleman�
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.snmzKA_20260302
dc.subjectConventional plastics
dc.subjectSoil pollution
dc.subjectPlasticulture
dc.subjectMulching
dc.subjectAlternative materials
dc.titleA review of non-petroleum alternatives of plastic mulches in agriculture: Knowledge gaps and future recommendations
dc.typeArticle

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