Jonas Baltrusaitis, an associate professor at Lehigh University's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, is leading a project focused on developing biodegradable nutrient-delivery systems for mulch films. His research aims to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic films, improving both crop yield and environmental health. Baltrusaitis' work has received support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through a $744,000 research grant running from July 2024 to June 2028.
The goal of this initiative is to design biodegradable mulch films that decompose safely while delivering nutrients to the soil. Collaborating with experts from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, USDA's Agricultural Research Service in Arizona, and Ben Gurion University in Israel, the research team is working on incorporating nitrogen-efficient materials like urea cocrystals into bioplastics. These innovative films would not only suppress weeds and regulate soil conditions, but also enrich the soil with nutrients as they degrade.
"Our work with urea cocrystals that provide a convenient vehicle of nutrient delivery into degradable polymers aims to develop sustainable solutions for agricultural practices," Baltrusaitis explains. "Traditional plastic mulch films have a detrimental impact on the environment. By developing biodegradable alternatives, we can help reduce plastic pollution, improve soil health, and promote sustainable farming practices."
Margaret Sobkowicz-Kline, a professor at UMass Lowell, is contributing her expertise in biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which are derived from renewable sources and designed to decompose into non-toxic components. Her team is testing the bioplastic-cocrystal compounds in both lab and field environments to ensure their effectiveness.
Baltrusaitis' team faces several challenges, including ensuring that the films maintain durability throughout the growing season while decomposing effectively afterward. The team is rigorously testing various formulations to meet the practical needs of farmers and ensure the films leave no harmful residues. "We are constantly refining our formulations to strike the right balance between durability and biodegradability," he says. "It's crucial that the films remain effective throughout the crop cycle and then degrade without leaving harmful residues."
In addition to environmental benefits, the team is focused on ensuring the economic viability of biodegradable mulch films. Traditional plastic films are inexpensive, so transitioning to sustainable alternatives must be cost-effective for widespread adoption. The research aims to optimize production processes and sourcing to make the films competitive in the market.
"Sustainability in agriculture is not just about protecting the environment; it's also about ensuring economic viability for farmers," Baltrusaitis notes. "Our goal is to develop solutions that are affordable and practical, so farmers can adopt them without compromising their livelihoods."
With growing support from various stakeholders, including environmental groups and agricultural communities, Baltrusaitis' work is poised to make a significant impact on sustainable farming practices. "The ultimate success of our work lies in its adoption by farmers and its contribution to a more sustainable agricultural system," he adds. "I am excited about the future and the positive changes we can bring about to create a more sustainable and resilient future."
USDA grant abstract: "PARTNERSHIP: Engineering Nutrient-Enhanced Mulch Film to Improve Degradation and Soil Health"
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