Effect of conventional and biodegradable mulch films on crop and soil health (common experiment)
In Egypt there are three study sites: Kalabsho, near the north coast, Abu Ghalib, north-west of Cairo and Minya, in the south. At Kalabsho, cucumber (March 2023) was followed by a second crop of cucumber in November 2023 and maize in April 2024. The planting schedule at Minya was similar, with two cucumber crops planted in September 2023 and January 2024 and maize in July 2024. At Abu Ghalib, the first cucumber crop was planted in September 2023 followed by maize in July 2024.
Watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus) trial crop at fruiting stage in Abu Ghalib. Left: biodegradable mulch; right: conventional LDPE mulch.
Video showing contrast in degradation between conventional polyethylene and biodegradable films post-harvest (August 2022).