scholarly journals A laboratory comparison of the interactions between three plastic mulch types and 38 active substances found in pesticides

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9876 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Beriot ◽  
Paul Zomer ◽  
Raul Zornoza ◽  
Violette Geissen
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Sorption Behavior ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Plastic Debris ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Safe Approach ◽  
Active Substances ◽  
Semi Arid

Background In semi-arid regions, the use of plastic mulch and pesticides in conventional agriculture is nearly ubiquitous. Although the sorption of pesticides on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has been previously studied, no data are available for other plastics such as Pro-oxidant Additive Containing (PAC) plastics or “biodegradable” (Bio) plastics. The aim of this research was to measure the sorption pattern of active substances from pesticides on LDPE, PAC and Bio plastic mulches and to compare the decay of the active substances in the presence and absence of plastic debris. Methods For this purpose, 38 active substances from 17 insecticides, 15 fungicides and six herbicides commonly applied with plastic mulching in South-east Spain were incubated with a 3 × 3 cm2 piece of plastic mulch (LDPE, PAC and Bio). The incubation was done in a solution of 10% acetonitrile and 90% distilled water at 35 °C for 15 days in the dark. The Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe approach was adapted to extract the pesticides. Results The sorption behavior depended on both the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was ~30% lesser than the decay of active substances in solution alone. This study is the first attempt at assessing the behavior of a diversity of plastic mulches and pesticides to further define research needs.

Interactions between agricultural mulching plastic debris and pesticides

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas Beriot ◽  
Paul Zomer ◽  
Raul Zornoza ◽  
Violette Geissen Geissen
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Soil Organisms ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Sorption Behaviour ◽  
Plastic Debris ◽  
Plastic Mulching ◽  
Safe Approach ◽  
Active Substances ◽  
Semi Arid

<div> <p>In semi-arid regions, the use of plastic mulch and pesticides in conventional agriculture is nearly ubiquitous. The use of plastics and pesticides lead both to the release of residues in the soils. The degradation of plastic and pesticide residues in the soil have been previously studied, but not together despite the fact that pesticides may be sorbed to plastics and that the sorption may change the degradation rate. In fact, the sorption of pesticides on Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) has been previously  studied, but no data is available for other plastics such as Pro-oxidant Additive Containing (PAC) plastics or “biodegradable” (Bio) plastics. The aim of this research was to measure the sorption pattern of active substances from 38 pesticides on LDPE, PAC and Bio plastic mulches and to compare the decay of the active substances in the presence and absence of plastic debris. For this purpose, 38 active substances from 17 insecticides, 15 fungicides and 6 herbicides commonly applied with plastic mulching in South-east Spain were incubated at 35°C for 15 days with a 3×3 cm² square of plastic mulch (LDPE, PAC and Bio). The QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe) approach was adapted to extract the pesticides. The sorption behaviour depended on both, the pesticide and the plastic mulch type. On average, the sorption percentage was ~23% on LDPE and PAC, and ~50% on Bio. The decay of active substances in the presence of plastic was, on average, 30% lower than the decay of active substances in solution alone. Therefore, efficacy, transport, degradability and/or eco-toxicity of active substances from pesticides may be affected by sorption on plastics. Additionally the sorption of pesticides on plastic debris may affect the plastic degradability due to the toxicity of pesticides to some soil organisms.</p> </div><p> </p>

scholarly journals Mulching as water-saving technique in dryland agriculture: review article

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abdul Kader ◽  
Ashutus Singha ◽  
Mili Amena Begum ◽  
Arif Jewel ◽  
Ferdous Hossain Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Water Saving ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Water ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Dryland Agriculture ◽  
Crop Cultivation ◽  
Agricultural Water Resources ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Agricultural water resources have been limited over the years due to global warming and irregular rainfall in the arid and semi-arid regions. To mitigate the water stress in agriculture, mulching has a crucial impact as a water-saving technique in rain-fed crop cultivation. It is important mainly for preserving soil moisture, relegating soil temperature, and limiting soil evaporation, which affects the crop yield. Mulching has many strategic effects on soil ecosystem, crop growth, and climate. Mulch insulates the soil, helping to provide a buffer from cold and hot temperatures that have a crucial activity in creating beautiful and protected landscapes. This study has accumulated a series of information about both organic and plastic mulch materials and its applicability on crop cultivation. Moreover, future research potentials of mulching with modeling were discussed to quantify water loss in agriculture.

scholarly journals A MOISTURE CAPTURE SYSTEM FOR REDUCING SUPPLEMENTAL WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR CANTALOUPE PRODUCTION IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS.

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 587b-587
Author(s):  
David A. Bender ◽  
Frank J. Dainello
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Emergence Time ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Supplemental Irrigation ◽  
Vine Growth ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Semi Arid

Trenched beds covered with plastic mulch was used to capture and retain precipitation for dryland cantaloupe production. Two trenches were formed in the fall in raised beds. Plastic mulch was laid over the beds and slitted at ca. 1 meter intervals over the trenches. Soil was placed over the slits, conforming the plastic to the shape of the trenches and channeling precipitation into the beds. Cantaloupes were seeded in the spring and grown with no supplemental irrigation. Planting moisture was significantly greater under the capture system than in unmulched beds. Seedling emergence time was reduced from 18 to 6 days and vine growth in the first 6 weeks was almost doubled. Total and marketable yields were doubled and fruit size significantly increased when water was limiting. Elevated soil temperatures under the mulch enhanced plant growth and yield even when moisture was not limiting. Combining a moisture capture system with supplemental irrigation could allow commercial production of cucurbit crops under limited water conditions in semi-arid areas.

scholarly journals Effect of Different Cladding Material and Mulching on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under Forced Ventilated Greenhouse System

2021 ◽  
pp. 115-125
Author(s):  
D. Mahender Reddy ◽  
R. Lalitha ◽  
S. Vallal Kannan ◽  
A. Raviraj
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Cucumis Sativus ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Cladding Material ◽  
Semi Arid

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, (TNAU), Tamil Nadu with the objectives to test the performance of different cladding (blue and white colour polyethylene) and plastic mulches (silver on black colour) on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., Fadia F1, hybrid) to find the suitable cultivation practices for obtaining higher yields in semi-arid regions. The observations of micro climatic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, light intensity and soil temperature were recorded in each polyhouse and at control (open cultivation). The plant growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches, date of first flowering, number of fruits, individual fruit weight and leaf- area were recorded among all the treatments. Among the blue and white polyhouse conditions, favourable solar incidental radiation and light intensity was observed in the white polyhouse as compared to blue polyhouse. Among the plastic mulch and without mulch treatments, the plastic mulch showed negative results under polyhouse cultivation where as positive results on growth and yield parameters at open condition (control).  Significant differences were found among the treatments combinations of white poly house condition without mulch treatment on higher fruit size, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and higher yield might be due to higher photosynthetic active radiation than blue polyhouse. The microclimatic condition recorded in blue polyhouse found to be detrimental to the pathogens under certain wave lengths and resulted in lower incidences of pest and diseases but not supported for higher yield due to low light intensity compared to white polyhouse. White polythene film as cladding material for construction of poly house and without mulching is important to achieve higher growth and yield of Cucumber under semi-arid regions.

scholarly journals The Role of Organic Fertilizers in Transition to Sustainable Agriculture in the MENA Region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Avery
Keyword(s):  
Soil Quality ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Conventional Agriculture ◽  
Regional Food ◽  
Semi Arid

Organic fertilizers can serve as an element of transitions to sustainable low-input agriculture in semi-arid regions of the MENA region. They play a key role in supporting soil biota and soil fertility. Yield improvements, availability and relatively low costs make organic fertilizers an attractive alternative for farmers. In semi-arid regions, important considerations are improved soil quality, which in turn affects soil water retention, while better root development helps crops resist heat and water stress. Organic fertilizers thus support climate adaptation and regional food security. Soil quality is crucial for carbon sequestration, at the same time that increased nutrient retention reduces impacts of agricultural runoff on groundwater and water bodies. Factors that impede the generalised use of organic fertilizers include lack of expertise, subsidy structures, constraints of the wider food and agricultural systems, and difficulties in transitioning from conventional agriculture. Such obstacles are aggravated in countries affected by security issues, financial volatility or restrictions in access to market. Against the background of both general and local constraints, the chapter examines possible pathways to benefit from organic fertilizers, in particular synergies with other sustainable agricultural practices, as well as improved access to expertise.

BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Senni Rachida ◽  
De Belair Gerard ◽  
Abdelkrim Hacene
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Semi Arid

Water Resources Management in the Semi-Arid Central Valley of California

1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
J. J. Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Ground Water Resource ◽  
Semi Arid

Hater resource managers in semi-arid regions are faced with some unique problems. The wide variations in precipitation and stream flows in semi-arid regions increase man's dependence on the ground water resource for an ample and reliable supply of water. Proper management of the ground water resource is absolutely essential to the economic well being of semi-arid regions. Historians have discovered the remains of vanished advanced civilizations based on irrigated agriculture which were ignorant of the importance of proper ground water resource management. In the United States a great deal of effort is presently being expended in the study and control of toxic discharges to the ground water resource. What many public policy makers fail to understand is that the potential loss to society resulting from the mineralization of the ground water resource is potentially much greater than the loss caused by toxic wastes discharges, particularly in developing countries. Appropriations for ground water resource management studies in developed countries such as the United States are presently much less than those for toxic wastes management and should be increased. It is the reponsibility of the water resource professional to emphasize to public policy makers the importance of ground water resource management. Applications of ground water resource management models in the semi-arid Central Valley of California are presented. The results demonstrate the need for proper ground water resource management practices in semi-arid regions and the use of ground water management models as a valuable tool for the water resource manager.

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