For years, the growing use of plastics in agriculture has helped farmers increase crop production, improve food quality and reduce the ecological footprint of their activity. Not only do plastics allow for vegetables and fruits to be grown whatever the season, but these products are usually of better quality than those grown in an open field.
Range of plastics in agriculture
A wide range of plastic material is used in agriculture. They include polyolefin, polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA). They also use Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) and, in less frequently, Polycarbonate (PC) and poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). These plastics provide:
- Innovative and sustainable solutions: Since the use of different plastic material in agriculture, water can be saved and crops can even be planted in deserted areas. Plastic irrigation pipes prevent waste of water and nutrients, rainwater can be retained in reservoirs built with plastic products. The use of pesticides can be reduced by keeping crops in a closed space such as a greenhouse or, for mulching, under a plastic film. Moreover, the emissions of pesticides in the atmosphere will be reduced as they will remain fixed on the plastic cover.
- Recycling and recovery opportunities: At the end of their life cycle, an agricultural plastic application such as greenhouse covers can be recycled. Once retrieved from the fields, plastics are usually washed to eliminate sand, herbs, and pesticides. Then plastics are grinded and extruded into pellets. The material can then be used again in the manufacturing of articles such as outdoor furniture. When recycling is not viable, energy can be obtained from agricultural plastic waste in a process called co-combustion.
Plastics in agricultural applications
Plastics in greenhouses
Greenhouses are like intensive-care units. With this application, plants are exposed to sunlight and can grow in ideal conditions according to their physiological properties. The use of greenhouses indeed provides farmers with the possibility to create the appropriate environmental conditions that plants require for faster and safer growth. It helps to avoid extreme temperatures and protect crops from harmful external conditions.
Plastics in tunnels
Tunnels have the same features as greenhouses, except for their complexity and their height. Crops that are the most commonly cultivated in tunnels are asparagus, watermelon, etc.
Plastics in mulching
Mulching or covering the ground with plastic film helps maintain humidity as evaporation is reduced. It also improves thermal conditions for the plant’s roots. And it avoids contact between the plant and the ground and prevents weed from growing and competing with for water and nutrients.
Plastics in plastic reservoirs and irrigation systems
When combined, plastic reservoirs and plastic irrigation systems make an essential contribution to water management. Water can be stored in dams covered with plastic materials to avoid leaking and distributed via pipes, drip irrigation systems and systems for water circulation.
Plastics in silage
This application, which was developed to store animals’ grains and straw during the winter, is another proof of the value of plastic materials. Plastic films used to store silage are resistant and the content can be stored for years.
Plastics in other plastic applications
Other plastic applications include:
- Boxes.
- Crates for crop collecting, handling, and transport components for irrigation systems like fittings and spray cones.
- Tapes that help hold the aerial parts of the plants in the greenhouses, or even nets to shade the interior of the greenhouses or reduce the effects of hail.
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