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

 

​Are there reflective or white versions of biodegradable plastic mulch?

​Manufacturers of biodegradable plastic mulches produce versions that are black, clear, white, and white-on-black. To our knowledge there is currently not a metallic-sided biodegradable product. Color affects the temperature of both the soil and the mulch itself, with different colors absorbing or reflecting more light. Because black will absorb solar radiation, black plastic mulch will warm the soil if the mulch sufficiently contacts the soil. Because white will reflect solar radiation, both white and white-on-black mulches will decrease the soil temperature. Clear plastic mulches produce greater soil warming than black mulches because they transmit solar radiation, but water trapped by the mulch prevents outgoing infrared radiation.
[See more information and other FAQ here.]

button3.png 

>> 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."