HYDROMULCH: A SPRAYABLE BIODEGRADABLE MULCHING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION

Abstract

A viable substitute for traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch in sustainable crop production is hydromulch, an innovative sprayable, biodegradable soil-cover technology. In contrast to prefabricated plastic films, hydromulch is applied as a water-based slurry that contains tackifiers, binders, fibrous materials, and, when necessary, agricultural residue fillers. Once the slurry dries, it forms a protective layer. The evolution, composition, functional mechanisms, agronomic uses, environmental advantages, and present constraints of hydromulch technology are all examined in this paper. According to the research now in publication, hydromulch can prevent weed growth, lower soil-water evaporation, alter soil temperature, prevent soil erosion, and promote crop establishment and yield. However, feedstock, formulation, thickness, application rate, environmental factors, crop type, and weed spectrum all affect how successful it is. Its potential to sustain crop productivity while lowering reliance on persistent plastic mulch is demonstrated by recent studies in strawberry, blueberry, artichoke, and other horticultural systems. By transforming low-value biomass into beneficial agricultural inputs, the usage of recycled paper, wood fibres, hemp hurds, and agricultural leftovers enhances its potential for a circular economy. However, there are still significant obstacles to broader implementation, such as inconsistent formulation, limited field durability, application-engineering requirements, variable weed suppression, economic competitiveness, and inadequate long-term environmental assessment. Standardized material characterization, crop and weed-specific formulations, precision application, life cycle assessment, and long-term soil impacts should be the main focus of future research. All things considered, hydromulch is a promising multipurpose technology for circular, low-plastic, and resource-efficient agricultural production systems.