The Effect of Direct Covering with Biodegradable Nonwoven Film on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil

It is well known that plastic mulch film increases the yield of many vegetables, in particular the early season yield, most likely by increasing soil temperature and moisture, and inhibiting weed growth. Soil surface covering decreases erosion, reduces evaporation, protects against raindrop impact, and increases aggregate stability. The following field experiment was carried out at the experimental farm in Mydlniki in Krakow, Poland in 2008/09 and 2009/10. Winter leek and onion covered by biodegradable nonwoven (Bionnole 100 g.m(-2) and IBWCH 75 g.m(-2)) film were assessed to estimate the changes in several physical and chemical soil properties. The experiment revealed the interaction between treatments and wet-aggregate content in soil. The biofilm covering slightly increased the amount of large aggregates (4.0-2.5 mm) and decreased the percentage of small sized macroaggregates (0.50-0.25 mm). We also observed a trend in the increase of water capacity in soils following treatments. The obtained results suggest that the use of biodegradable film as covering could be an alternative to the traditional plastic films widely used in the world.