In partnership with Washington State University and Montana State University 
Building and sharing information and best practices for biodegradable mulch

 

How do you apply bioedegradable plastic mulch?

​Application of biodegradable mulch is done in roughly the same manner as application of conventional polyethylene plastic mulch film. Application can be done with a raised-bed mulch layer or a flat-bed mulch layer. Both tractor-pulled and hand-pulled layers are available. Several manufacturers of biodegradable mulches - both plastic and paper - recommend releasing tension on the mechanical layer so that the product is not overly stretched during laying. Application can also be done by hand, with the mulch unrolled atop the row, and the sides of the mulch covered with soil by shovel.
[See more information and other FAQ here.]

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>> Hands-On Biodegradable Mulch Field Day.  An opportunity to view biodegradable mulches in use and learn about their use -- from both farmers and mulch experts -- occurs May 8, 2018 in Ferndale, WA. More information.

 

>> Focus on Soil Health.  A new video addresses how a team of soil scientists is assessing whether and how biodegradable plastic mulches affect soil health.

 

>> New Factsheets. Two new factsheets address 
  • the basics of biodegradable plastic mulch and the product's suitability for sustainable and organic agriculture; and
  • oxo-degradable plastics.

See them and other basics about biodegradable mulch in our "Basic information resources."