Technological watch

Biodegradable paper mulch has the advantages of being easily degradable and environmentally benign, but its own performance and adaptability to harsh environments have not been tested. This paper uses scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional morphometry to microscopically characterize biodegradable paper mulch and white plastic mulch. To analyze and compare their mechanical and hydrophobic properties, and weather resistance, the two mulches were measured through tensile tear load and static contact angle. A comparative analysis of the effect of mulching in the dry crop area of the Hexi Corridor was conducted by comparing the growth index, farm water heat, soil oxygen content, and yield using maize and flax. The test results show that biodegradable paper mulch films were slightly inferior to traditional white mulch films in terms of mechanical and hydrophobic properties, with inadequate insulation and moisture retention, but better in terms of aging resistance, soil oxygen content, and crop insulation and water storage capacity in the middle and growth stages. White mulch film had a better yield enhancement effect on maize, while with biodegradable paper mulch film, this was more significant with flax.