The Jiangsu Provincial Agricultural Technology Promotion has been actively promoting the use of biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) as an as an alternative to conventional plastic films that often cause soil pollution.   

On May 19, it organized a field study at a potato field using BDMs in Nanjing’s Lishui District, which showed a yield increase of 8.1%-28.2% compared with traditional plastic films. 

Jiangsu began the large-scale use of polyethylene mulch in 1970s as the technology proves effective in weed control and water retention. Guan Yongxiang, head of the Jiangsu Provincial Agricultural Technology Promotion, estimated the province uses 40,000 tonnes of plastic mulches a year. However, the polyethylene mulch is also a source of pollution and affects sustainable development of agriculture.  

Efforts have been made to promote the testing and use of BMDs since 2019, including more than 100 times of tests involving potato, broccoli, rice and other crops to find appropriate plastic mulches. 

Jiangsu has also introduced an innovative technology that combines the use of BMDs and management of vegetable byproducts and waste straw, which can increase yields, improve soil fertility and reduce pollution at the same time. This solution has been promoted in several types of crops including corn. 

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