Post on 14-Jan-2016
Biodegradable Plastic Mulches for Specialty Crop Production
Closing Remarks
ASHS Colloquium, August 1, 2011, Miami, FL
With special thanks…
o Colloquium speakerso ASHS organizerso USDA AFRI SCRI programo Audience participantso SCRI-SREP project team on
Biodegradable Mulches for Specialty Crops Produced Under Protective Covers (Ref. No. 2009-02484)
Biodegradable mulches…
Agriculture has the opportunity to take a
leadership role in:
o Product developmento Product break-downo Product standardso Versatility in field applications o Alternative methods of disposal o Environmental impactso Consumer awareness
Trans-disciplinary approaches will continue to be critically important in future research & extension efforts
Crops: EntomologistsHorticulturists
Plant pathologistsWeed scientists
Materials:Biosystems engineersChemical engineersPolymer scientistsTextile scientists
Socio-Economic:EconomistsSociologists
Soils:Env. Biophysicists
Soil chemistsSoil ecologists
Soil microbiologists
Mulch manufacturers
Mulch distributors
Mulch users(growers/others)
Unique partnerships will continue to be critically important in future research & extension efforts
Non-biased information will continue to be critically important in future research & extension efforts
Nat’loutreach
Performanceacross diverse environments
Establishment of standards
Future Biodegradable Mulch topics…
Meeting organic production requirements Setting standards for biodegradation, in soil and
in composting Understanding the risks and benefits of carbon
emissions during microbial break-down Unexpected, new, and versatile uses Using ‘targeted’ microbial degraders