The development of biodegradable plastic mulch films for use in agriculture has been going on for decades. These films consist of blends of polymers with various additives. As a result, their physical and chemical properties differ from those of pure polymers that are often used for in vitro enzymatic and microbial degradation studies, raising doubts about the biodegradability of mulch films, especially when they do not visually disappear from the soil within a reasonable period of time (less than 12 months).

Project subsidised by the Instituto de Fomento de la Región de Murcia within the line:

AID PROGRAMME AIMED AT TECHNOLOGY CENTRES IN THE REGION OF MURCIA FOR NON-FINANCIAL R&D ACTIVITIES. MODALITY 1

149,478.38€, with co-financing of up to 80% (‘119,582.70€), from the FEDER global subvention.