Vegetables being grown under plastic mulch. WSU researchers are investigating a biodegradable alternative using textile science.

For more information on the biodegradable mulch project,

please visithttp://bit.ly/b6AGI3.

 

New research in the WSU Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles Department is proving there is a lot more to AMDT than sewing and pattern making.

Scientists in AMDT are involved in a research project to develop a biodegradable mulch that would provide an alternative to costly and environmentally detrimental plastic mulch.

The research project spans three states and five research institutions, said Debra Inglis, associate plant pathologist and project director. Inglis is based at WSU’s Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon.

“Not only does this project span different disciplines, departments and universities, but it also spans across different research centers. The fact that we in Pullman can collaborate with the center in Mount Vernon is quite unique,” said Karen Leonas, chair of the AMDT department.

The textiles department is playing a significant role in the research. The Textile Research Lab is responsible for testing many of the intrinsic qualities of both fabric and plastic mulches, Leonas said. Two AMDT undergraduates, Marc LaPointe and Leanne Goldstein, are conducting the physical and mechanical testing of the mulches……

March 24, 2010Biodegradable Mulch: Applying Textile Science for a Positive Impact on Agriculture

The SCRI Grant The SCRI Grant

Biodegradable Mulches for Biodegradable Mulches for Specialty Crops Produced Specialty Crops Produced under Protective Covers….under Protective Covers….

What it is and how we got What it is and how we got there, there,

… the role of AMDT… the role of AMDTI. BackgroundII. Planning Project GrantIII. SCRI SERP Grant

a. Experimental designb. Testing in AMDT

TermsTermsSCRI – Specialty Crops Research InitativeRFA – Request for applicationCAPS – Coordinated Agricultural ProjectsSERP – Standard Research & Extension ProjectsProtective Crop Covering Systems – High

tunnels, low tunnels, mulchesSpecialty crops – fruits, vegetables, tree nuts,

dried fruits, horticulture and nursery cropsTrans-disciplinary - a multi-discipline

approach bringing biological & physical scientists together with economists & social scientists to address challenges in a holistic manner.

PLA – Polylactic AcidPolyethylene – plastic mulchBDM – Biodegradable Mulches

Executive Summary from SCRI Executive Summary from SCRI RFARFA

“The National Institute of Food and Agriculture requests applications for the SCRI to solve critical United States specialty crop issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research and extension activities that take systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches. The intent of the SCRI is to solve the needs of the various specialty crop industries through the promotion of collaboration, open communication, the exchange of information and the development of resources that accelerate application of scientific discovery and technology. “

Systems ApproachSystems Approach

“The philosophy of the SCRI is that truly effective, long-term solutions to specialty crop industry problems can best be achieved by understanding and treating those problems as complex systems of many interacting components.”

Planning GrantPlanning GrantSCRI PROJECT PLANNING MEETING: CSREES AWARD NO. SCRI PROJECT PLANNING MEETING: CSREES AWARD NO. 2008-51180-0488 2008-51180-0488 PLANNING FOR SPECIALTY CROP COVERS THAT USE PLANNING FOR SPECIALTY CROP COVERS THAT USE DEGRADABLE MATERIALS DEGRADABLE MATERIALS October 30 – November 1, 2008, University of Wisconsin, October 30 – November 1, 2008, University of Wisconsin, River Falls River Falls Received Award letter October 3, 2008Received Award letter October 3, 2008Amount Received: $98,181Amount Received: $98,181

“Washington, Tennessee and Texas scientists in materials and textiles, economics, horticulture, plant pathology and soil microbiology propose a SCRI R&E Planning Project, “Protected Specialty Crop Covers that Use Degradable Materials” to better integrate the crop protective covers and degradable materials subject areas for the benefit of specialty crop production.”

Meeting Expectations & Project Meeting Expectations & Project OutcomesOutcomes

Working CAPs proposal outline, with prioritized objectives, and general research/outreach plans and budget and personnel requirements

New professional acquaintances, and personal interaction with team members and stakeholders

Introduction to key national leaders in the fields of interest Perspectives of stakeholders, and their prioritization of research and outreach issues Protocols and methodologies outlined for collaborative studies, outreach, and project

evaluation—all with scheduled times of completion for inclusion in a timeline for the CAPs

Subsequent dialogue with regional stakeholders via a Key Informant Survey in order to insure continued stakeholder input into CAPs proposal development

Identification of budget and personnel needs New information to share with local audiences upon participants’ return home via local

and regional meetings, Extension newsletters, and web pages. Identification of potential pitfalls Greater familiarity and expertise among team members on federal grants writing

process Cross-disciplinary training and education among team members including i) creation of

a glossary of shared terms, ii) crop production specifications for materials and fabric scientists, and iii) materials and fabric capabilities information synthesized for crop production scientists.

Planning project evaluation instrument completed Development of a successful CAPs proposal!

SCRI Planning Meeting Working SCRI Planning Meeting Working GroupsGroups

Crop ProductionCrop Production Annette Wszelaki, Working Group Chair -Dept of Plant Sciences - Extension , University of

Tennessee Debra Ann Inglis , Dept. of Plant Pathology, Washington State University NWREC

Carol Miles , Dept. of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture ,Washington State University NWREC

Hector Saez , Center for Sustaining Ag and Natural Resources, Washington State University NWREC

Tom Walters ,Dept of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture ,Washington State University NWREC

Andrew Corbin , WSU Snohomish County Extension Curt Beus , WSU Clallam County Extension Marion Brodhagen , Dept of Biology, Western Washington University George (Ben) Craft, Alm Hill Gardens , Everson, WA 98247 Allison and Paul Wiediger, Au Naturel Farm, KY Tom Thornton , Cloud Mountain Farm , Everson, WA 98257 Edward (Ted) Ewing Carey Department of Horticulture, Kansas State University Bill Lamont, Department of Horticulture, Pennsylvania State University John Biernbaum , Department Plant and Soil Sciences, Michigan State University Russell Wallace, Department of Horticulture Sciences & Extension, Texas A & M University Roy Riddle ,Carolyn Lanier Youth Farm, Texas Indicates Industry Partner

Materials/TechnologyMaterials/Technology Karen K. Leonas, Working Group Chair, Apparel, Merchandising, Design &

Textiles, WSU Douglas Hayes, Dept. of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science , University of

Tennessee John Dorgan , Site Director, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Colorado School of

Mines Hang Liu, Dept. of Apparel, Merchandizing, Design & Textiles, WSU Ramani Narayan ,Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan

State University Rita Schenck ,Institute for Environmental Research and Education, Vashon WA Robert Green , Natureworks LLC , Carey NC Tim Chaput , J&M Industries Inc.

In attendance ◦ 24 stakeholders participated◦ 8 universities◦ 6 industry partners◦ 10 disciplines◦ 9 states Indicates Industry Partner

Preparation of Proposal for 2009 Preparation of Proposal for 2009 SCRI RAFSCRI RAF

Utilized information from Planning MeetingGained input from

◦ Grower advisors Industry representatives ◦ Scientific experts

Organized Key Informant SurveyDeveloped four groups

◦ Crops Materials Socio-economic Soils

Proposal focused on two SCRI Focus Areas Improve long-term production efficiency,

productivity, profitability Identify and address threats from

pests/diseases).

SCRI SERP Grant SCRI SERP Grant BIODEGRADABLE MULCHES FOR SPECIALTY BIODEGRADABLE MULCHES FOR SPECIALTY CROPS PRODUCED UNDER PROTECTIVE COVERS CROPS PRODUCED UNDER PROTECTIVE COVERS October 31, 2009 – October 30, 2012 October 31, 2009 – October 30, 2012 Amount Received: $199,900Amount Received: $199,900

“…will help to ascertain whether leading commercially-available and experimental spun-melt nonwoven BDMs provide services of similar quality to conventional plastic products, are commercially viable, have potential for sustainable high tunnel environments, are better for the environment, and if nonwovens (which can be readily manufactured) have sufficient attributes to serve as prototypes for the next generation of BDMs.”

The long-term research and outreach goals of The long-term research and outreach goals of this SREP proposalthis SREP proposal1. contribute to the protective crop cover knowledge base

by testing existing and emerging BDM materials which can augment the polyethylene plastics now dominantly used for mulches in specialty crop systems,

2. develop management strategies for using mulches on key crops in high tunnel systems that mitigate against inclement weather (high winds, heavy rains, high humidity) and pest/disease threats, and in so doing lead to

3. the adaptation, environmental sustainability and economic feasibility of BDMs in high tunnel systems for the PNW (cool marine climate), M-S (hot, dry climate) and SE (hot, humid climate), regions currently underserved by University research and education programs, and then, with entry of the three regions into this arena,

4. gain a better understanding of mulch biodegradation and the potential effects on soil ecology and root health, which will help to

5. promote research and development on BDMs in the future.

SCRI TEAM on SERB ProjectSCRI TEAM on SERB Project

Eric Belasco, Economist, Texas Tech University

Curt Beus, Sociologist and WSU/Clallam Co. Extension

Marion Brodhagen, Cellular & Molecular Biologist, Western Washington University

Andrew Corbin, Ecologist and WSU/Snohomish Co. Extension

Ana Espinola-Arredondo, Economist, WSU Pullman

Suzette Galinato, Economist, WSU Pullman

Doug Hayes, Biosystems Engineer, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Robert Jones, Sociologist, Energy, Environment and Resources Center, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Jaehoon Lee, Environmental and Soil Physicist, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Karen Leonas, Textile Scientist, WSU Pullman

Hang Liu, Post-doc and Textile Scientist, WSU Pullman

Tom Marsh, Economist, WSU Pullman

Carol Miles, Vegetable Horticulturist, WSU NWREC

Jennifer Moore-Kucera, Soil and Environmental Microbiologist, Texas Tech University

Srinivasa Ponnaluru, Economist, WSU Pullman

Larry Wadsworth, Nonwoven Textiles Scientist, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Russ Wallace, Horticulturist, Texas Agri-Life REC

Tom Waters, Small Fruit Horticulturist, WSU NWREC

Annette Wszelaki, Horticulturist, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Project Director, Debra Ann Inglis, Department of Plant Pathology, WSU NWREC

Protective CoversProtective CoversTypes:

◦High Tunnels, Low Tunnels, MulchesPurpose:

◦Extend growing seasonMulches also

◦Moderate soil temperatures◦Reduce moisture loss from soil◦Reduce weed growth◦Disease protection◦Reduce soil loss◦One-year use

MulchesMulchesCurrently

◦ Most available are plastic (polyethylene)◦ Price is increasing as are petroleum based◦ Do not degrade and cannot be composted◦ Upon loss of integrity – fragment increasing

labor to remove from plotsMulch selection

◦ Consider laying equipment – strength, flexibility*

◦ Cost◦ Color

Mulch characteristics to consider◦ Chemical Composition◦ Physical structure

Biodegradable Mulches Biodegradable Mulches (BDM)(BDM) Biodegradable – process by which microorganisms

convert material into biomass, CO2 & H2O

Degradable – process where very large molecules are broken into smaller molecules or fragments

Degradable polymeric material – designed to undergo a significant change in chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in loss of properties

Previous BDM’s commercially Previous BDM’s commercially availableavailable

Photodegradable Paper based

Experimental Design for Materials Experimental Design for Materials GroupGroup

6 Mulches ◦ Biobag BioTelo Meltblown PLA Spunbond PLA◦ Non-biodegradable

Cellulosic Mulch

Times◦ Control Field control First flower Final harvest

Locations◦ WA TN

TX

Environments◦ Inside Tunnel

Outside tunnel

6 mulches x 4 times x 3 locations x 2 environments x 4 reps

Experimental Design for Materials Experimental Design for Materials GroupGroup

6 Mulches ◦ Biobag BioTelo Meltblown PLA Spunbond PLA◦ Non-biodegradable

Cellulosic Mulch

Times◦ Control Field control First flower Final harvest

Locations◦ WA TN

TX

Environments◦ Inside Tunnel

Outside tunnel

6 mulches x 4 times x 3 locations x 2 environments x 4 reps

MulchesMulchesMulch characteristics to consider

◦Chemical Composition◦Physical structure◦In this study – 6 mulches◦Biobag BioTelo◦Meltblown PLA Spunbond PLA◦Non-biodegradable Cellulosic

Marketed as Biodegradable

PLA

Cellulose

Polyethylene (non-biodegradable)

(C6H10O5)nCorn Starch (BioBag, BioTelo)

Mulch Chemical Mulch Chemical StructureStructure

Mulch Physical StructureMulch Physical Structure

Cellulose

Meltblown PLA Spunbonded PLA

Comparison of Meltblown & Comparison of Meltblown & SpunbondSpunbond

http://www.hillsinc.net/nanomeltblownfabric.shtml

250 nanometer average diameter meltblown on 20 micron diameter spunbond

26

Experimental Design for Materials Experimental Design for Materials GroupGroup

6 Mulches ◦ Biobag BioTelo Meltblown PLA Spunbond PLA◦ Non-biodegradable

Cellulosic Mulch

Times◦ Control Field control First flower Final harvest

Locations◦ WA TN

TX

Environments◦ Inside Tunnel

Outside tunnel

6 mulches x 4 times x 3 locations x 2 environments x 4 reps

Location & EnvironmentLocation & EnvironmentLocations

◦ Pacific Northwest - cool marine climate

◦ Mid-South - hot, dry climate ◦ Southeast - hot, humid

Environments

In tunnel Out of tunnel

Textile Research Laboratory Textile Research Laboratory TestingTesting

Changes in mechanical Changes in mechanical properties indicate properties indicate degradations:degradations:

•Reduction in elongation indicate reduction in amorphous regions – usually first attacked in deg. process•As polymer chains are broken, reduction in dp - lower tenacity•Crystalinity is related to tear strength•Increase in pore size indicates increases opening sizes which could be result of degradation – loss of integrity•Reduction in weight indicates reduced MW – sign of degradation

Thickness tester

Stiffness

Strength/Elongation

Porometer

Tear TesterDie Press for cutting

Weatherometer

Materials Group WSU Research Materials Group WSU Research TeamTeam

Dr. Hang Liu, AMDT Post Doctoral ResearcherKey Project Investigator

AMDT Undergraduate Students

Leanne GoldsteinMarc Lapointe

Karen K. Leonas – Co Project Director

Jeremy Cowan, Horticulture &Landscape ArchPhD student

Project Timeline Project Timeline from Fall 2007 - Presentfrom Fall 2007 - Present

Falll 2007 Win 2008 Spr 2008 Sum 2008 Fall 09 Win 10 Spr 10 Sum 10Fall 08 Win 09 Spr 09 Sum 09

Larry Wasdsworth & Karen discuss meltblown mulch product

Prepare & submit SCRI SERB grant

Carol & Debbie express interest, prepare planning grant

Recieve grant & Plannning meeting held

SCRI RFA is released Karen contacts Rick Knowles, HLA

Recieve notification of award & begin obtaining materials

Recieving materials/equipment -training

Begin material tesing & field planting

Thank You!Thank You!

Questions?Questions?