INSIGHTS:
Understanding the Real Impact of Plastic Mulch
Plastic Mulch Solves One Problem.
Then It Creates Several Others
Plastic mulch can control weeds and warm the soil.
But every season it also creates a chain of problems growers know too well:
• fields that must be cleaned instead of harvested
• weeks of labor to remove the plastic
• containers filled with soil, residue, and plastic waste
• transport to landfill
• landfill disposal fees
• plastic fragments left in the soil
Most farms never calculate the full impact of this system.
They only see the roll price.
Over the past 12 years working with farms across North America, three realities consistently emerge:
▶ Start with Labor & Economics — The Real Cost of Plastic Mulch
Understanding the Real Impact of Plastic Mulch
Labor & Economics
The real operational cost of installation, removal, transport, and disposal.
Topics include:
• mowing, lifting and removal
• labor requirements and timing
• transport and landfill costs
▶Understand the Cost
Soil & Microplastics
What actually remains in the soil after repeated seasons of plastic mulch.
Topics include:
• plastic fragmentation vs biodegradation
• how microplastics accumulate in soil
• long-term soil health considerations
▶ Explore Soil Impact
Field Experience
Real observations from farms using compostable mulch in production.
Topics include:
• peppers, tomatoes, strawberries
• melons, garlic and vegetable systems
• installation and end-of-season observations
▶See Real Field Systems
Recommended Technical Reading
