Title : Scope of biodegradable liquid mulch from modified PVA through nano particle for soil enhancement and environmental conservation
Abstract:
The process of covering the open surface of the ground with a layer of external material is known as mulching, and the material used for covering is called 'mulch.' Mulching is commonly practiced in cultivating commercially important crops, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, nursery saplings, and more. It is beneficial for yard gardening, containers, and raised beds in home gardens. Materials used for preparing mulch may include plastics, organic matter, and mineral or ornamental materials. Plastic mulch finds widespread use among commercial farmers in greenhouse floriculture, vegetable farming, and fruit crops. Organic mulch consists of decomposable materials that cover the soil, contributing to increased humus content and overall soil quality. Mineral mulch includes materials such as crushed stones, clay pellets, slate, shredded wood, colourful pebbles, gravel, sand, and peat moss. When conventional plastics like PE are used as mulch films, they tend to accumulate in the soil, posing challenges for their removal and proper disposal due to technical and economic burdens. This accumulation can result in reduced crop yields and environmental issues. To address these concerns, the proposition of biodegradable mulch has been made. Biodegradable mulch decomposes in the soil, improving soil properties while mitigating the problems associated with conventional plastics, offering a solution to both crop yield reduction and environmental impact. Addressing the challenge of applying mulch to soil in various shapes, a “liquid mulch” that can be sprayed onto the soil and conform to desired configurations upon application. This innovative approach allows for customizable mulch shapes, offering flexibility and ease in adapting to diverse agricultural landscapes and crop requirements.
With growing environmental awareness, ecological concerns and new legislations, bio-fiber-reinforced plastic composites have received increasing attention during the recent decades. The composites have many advantages over traditional plastics. This following specification particularly describes the invention of biodegradable composite of modified Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) which can be used as an alternative of plastic for light weight applications. In the field of biodegradable packaging applications, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a flexible and environmentally friendly polymer, has emerged as a potential alternative of plastics. Due to its exceptional biodegradability and useful qualities, PVA offers a compelling alternative to conventional packaging materials in light of growing concerns about environmental sustainability. Polyvinyl Alcohol, through its eco-friendly properties and versatile applications, is revolutionizing the packaging industry by adopting a greener and more sustainable approach. Its unique chemical composition not only reduces plastic waste but also opens new avenues for enhancing the livelihoods of hill farmers. The project aims to create eco-friendly mulch using biodegradable materials, addressing the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Mulching plays a crucial role in soil enhancement, moisture retention, weed suppression, and overall crop health. However, conventional mulch made from non-biodegradable materials poses environmental threats due to its accumulation in soil and inadequate decomposition. This project focuses on developing biodegradable liquid mulch that not only supports soil quality but also aligns with environmental conservation efforts.
