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Mulch Matters: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Nataliya Shcherbatyuk
We are here to update you on the latest research about BDM and recycling options PE mulch as well as help you to answer any questions you might have. In each episode, we'll dive into the latest research, trends, news, and insights on why mulch matters and how we can improve plastic mulch end-of-life options. We'll also branch out and discuss other plastics as well as talk to researchers, experts, and practitioners in the field who will share their insights and experiences on how to use mulch effectively in different settings.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago30 min
Turning recovered plastic mulch into opportunities for asphalt
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Dr. Karl Englund (Washington State University) and Dr. Kun Zhang (California State University, Chico) to explore one of the most challenging—and promising—topics in agricultural sustainability: recycling plastic mulch. Karl and Kun share how their backgrounds in recycled plastics, composites, and asphalt engineering led them into this interdisciplinary project. Together, they unpack the realities of contamination, soil adhesion, fumigant residues, and the complex logistics of collecting agricultural plastics. As Karl notes, "the contamination of the soil is probably the biggie" and Kun highlights that "plastic mulch recycling in asphalt is a technically sound solution." Listeners will learn: Why agricultural plastics are harder to recycle than post‑consumer plastics How asphalt pavement can serve as a value‑added recycling pathway How soil type, contamination levels, and rheology affect recyclability What future technologies may reshape plastic mulch end‑of‑life management This episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the science, engineering, and collaboration driving new solutions for agricultural plastic waste. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
- Jun 29, 202632 min
Turning Plastic Mulch into Opportunity: Cynthia Sigira on Pyrolysis, Recycling Challenges & Circular Solutions
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Cynthia Bosibori Sigira, a PhD researcher at NC State University, to explore the rapidly evolving world of agricultural plastic mulch and its end‑of‑life challenges. Cynthia shares her journey from studying environmental engineering in Kenya to researching sustainable recycling pathways for plastic mulch in U.S. agriculture. She explains why plastic mulch use has surged—highlighting that it can lead to "up to 60% increased crop yields" —while also unpacking the environmental risks of current disposal practices like burning, burying, and landfilling. A major focus of the conversation is Cynthia's work on pyrolysis, which she describes using a memorable analogy: "imagine cooking something using a slow cooker" . She discusses how real‑world conditions—UV exposure, soil contamination, additives—affect pyrolysis outcomes and why these films are so challenging to recycle. Cynthia also dives into the promise of catalytic pyrolysis, the hurdles to scaling it, and what a truly circular system for agricultural plastics could look like. Whether you're a grower, researcher, policymaker, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers a clear, insightful look at the science, challenges, and future of mulch film recycling. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
- May 29, 202627 min
From Cradle to Grave: Life Cycle Insights from California's Strawberry Fields
What really happens to mulch films after they're used—and which options are truly sustainable? In this episode, PhD candidate Oluwatunmise Dada joins us to break down the full cradle‑to‑grave life cycle of biodegradable and polyethylene mulches in California's strawberry systems. We explore: • How PBAT, PLA, and TPS mulch formulations differ • Why soil biodegradation consistently outperforms other end‑of‑life pathways • The hidden environmental costs of landfilling PE mulch • What sensitivity analysis reveals about degradation rates and transport distances • Key limitations in current LCA methods for soil‑biodegradable materials • Practical takeaways for growers deciding whether to adopt BDMs Dada also shares what excites him most about the future of sustainable materials in agriculture, and what's next as he approaches the finish line of his PhD journey. If you're a grower, researcher, or anyone curious about the future of mulch sustainability, this episode offers clear, science‑based insights you won't want to miss. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Note: Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
- Apr 30, 202625 min
Biodegradable Mulch in Florida Strawberries: Research, Challenges, and Opportunities
In this episode, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Hadi Ghasemi, a Florida-based researcher, to explore how biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are performing in real-world strawberry production systems. Together, they discuss the promise and limitations of BDMs compared to conventional polyethylene mulch, insights from Florida field trials, and how environmental conditions like moisture, wind, and temperature influence mulch performance. The conversation also connects mulch technology with plant physiology, including photosynthesis, light reflection, and canopy microclimate—highlighting how these factors can impact yield and sustainability. This episode offers valuable takeaways for growers, researchers, students, and anyone interested in sustainable horticulture, including how research can directly inform day-to-day production decisions and long-term environmental outcomes. Tune in to learn: How BDMs compare to PE mulch in strawberry systems Key agronomic and environmental factors shaping mulch performance Why plant physiology matters when choosing mulch materials Practical insights for improving sustainability in specialty crop production Note: Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
- Mar 31, 202635 min
Understanding Biodegradable Mulches, Microbes and Isotopes with Sean Schaeffer and Jacob Clements
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with University of Tennessee researchers Dr. Sean Schaeffer and Jacob Clements to explore the unseen world beneath our feet, where biodegradable mulches, soil microbes, and even carbon isotopes reveal surprising stories. Together, they break down what happens to soil‑biodegradable mulches (BDMs) once they enter the soil, how microbes physically and chemically transform plastic into smaller fragments, and why climate factors like temperature, moisture, and soil texture play such a big role in decomposition. Jacob offers an inside look at his cutting‑edge use of carbon‑13 and carbon‑14 isotope tracing, explaining how these tools help scientists pinpoint exactly where mulch‑derived carbon ends up and which microbes are doing the work. The conversation also addresses farmers' biggest concerns when switching from polyethylene mulch to BDMs—including cost, aesthetics, degradation rate, and soil health impacts. Sean and Jacob share new findings from multi‑state research in Washington, Florida, Nebraska, California, and beyond, highlighting where BDMs break down fastest and why. Finally, the episode explores the policy gaps surrounding biodegradable mulches in the U.S., what definitions and standards are still missing, and how future regulations could encourage more sustainable agricultural practices. If you're curious about plastic pollution, soil health, microbial ecology, or the future of sustainable farming, this episode offers a clear and fascinating deep dive into the science shaping tomorrow's mulch technologies. Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/
- Feb 18, 20261h 4m
The Science Behind Compostable Mulch: A Conversation with Dan Martens
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Dan Martens, Vice President of Novamont North America, for a deep and candid conversation about the past, present, and future of compostable mulch films. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Dan walks us through the evolution of compostable materials, the science behind biodegradation, and why understanding microplastics requires more logic than fear. Together, they explore: How compostable mulch films have been studied for over two decades What long‑term soil research reveals about biodegradation and soil health Why marine biodegradability is complex — and what recent studies actually show The role of universities like Washington State University and UConn in advancing unbiased research The challenges and roadblocks facing BDMs in organic certification How standards like ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088 really work The innovations on the horizon, from multilayer films to biodegradable consumer goods Why new materials — not bans — are essential for a sustainable future Dan also shares a powerful message about responsibility, scientific progress, and the importance of giving farmers real choices. This episode is packed with insight, clarity, and forward‑thinking ideas for anyone interested in soil health, sustainable agriculture, or the future of plastics. Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/
- Jan 30, 202619 min
From Macro to Micro: Following Mulch Fragments Through the Soil
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Washington State University PhD researcher Xueyu Zhou to dig into what really happens to biodegradable mulch once it's tilled into the soil. Xueyu shares insights from a multi‑state field experiment spanning Washington, Nebraska, Florida, and California, where the team tracks mulch fragments—from large pieces to microplastics—over time. She explains how soil conditions, climate, and microbial activity shape the degradation process, and why strawberries are an ideal crop for testing these materials under real‑world conditions. Listeners will learn: Why biodegradable mulch behaves differently across regions How researchers collect and analyze mulch fragments in the field What early results reveal about degradation after one year Practical considerations and limitations farmers should keep in mind What future research is needed to understand long‑term soil impacts Whether you're a grower, researcher, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a grounded, science‑based look at biodegradable mulch and its potential role in more sustainable production systems. Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/
- Dec 18, 202523 min
Beyond the Plastic: How Social Values Shape Mulch Decisions in Agriculture
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Beth Prosnitz, a postdoctoral research associate and sociologist at Washington State University, to explore the human side of plastic mulch decisions in agriculture. Rather than focusing only on materials or technology, this conversation dives into how economic realities, social values, land tenure, environmental responsibility, and farmer identity all intersect when growers decide whether to use polyethylene or biodegradable plastic mulch particularly in strawberry production systems. Beth introduces the concept of relational work, explaining how farmers balance price, labor, environmental stewardship, food safety, land leases, and peer expectations when making real-world decisions. The discussion also highlights why biodegradable mulch adoption is not always feasible, the role of waste management and recycling markets, and how skepticism around recycling affects grower trust. This episode offers valuable insight for growers, researchers, policymakers, waste management professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, showing that plastic mulch decisions are not just technical choices, but deeply relational ones shaped by people, policies, and long-term realities in the field. This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/
About Mulch Matters
We are here to update you on the latest research about BDM and recycling options PE mulch as well as help you to answer any questions you might have. In each episode, we'll dive into the latest research, trends, news, and insights on why mulch matters and how we can improve plastic mulch end-of-life options. We'll also branch out and discuss other plastics as well as talk to researchers, experts, and practitioners in the field who will share their insights and experiences on how to use mulch effectively in different settings.
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