Biodegradable Mulch Film: Does It Really Match PE Yield?

For years, farmers avoided biodegradable mulch film because of one fear: that it would underperform conventional polyethylene. A recent global meta-analysis — synthesizing 4,331 experimental datasets from 724 studies — finally gives the answer. This article explains what the research says and what it means for buyers choosing agricultural mulch film.

What the Research Found

The study, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, compared polyethylene mulch (PE) with soil-biodegradable mulch (BDM). Key findings:

• Yield is comparable — BDM matches or exceeds PE yield for most crops.
• BDM reduces the plastic residue problem and the cost of film removal.
• Environmental impact is significantly lower, especially global warming potential.

Why BDM Matters

Conventional PE mulch must be collected and disposed of after harvest. Fragmented residual film harms soil structure, reduces water infiltration, and is a mounting regulatory problem in Europe and increasingly elsewhere. BDM plows back into the soil and degrades.

Where BDM Still Needs Care

• Soil temperature: BDM sometimes warms soil slightly less than PE in early spring.
• Thickness: BDM must be thick enough to last the full growing season (often 15–20 micron rated).

• Climate: degradation depends on soil microbes, temperature and moisture.

What This Means for Buyers

If you are a distributor or large farm, BDM is no longer a compromise — it is a viable, often preferred option, especially under sustainability pressure from retailers. Order BDM for the right crops (vegetables, row crops) and keep PE for special cases.

The Bottom Line

The data is clear: biodegradable mulch film can match PE yield while removing the cleanup problem. It is not a universal replacement yet, but the gap has closed dramatically.

Interested in biodegradable mulch? Muguan supplies conventional black/silver film and is expanding biodegradable options. Ask for current availability. View agricultural mulch film. Contact us.