Queensland's Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries is trialling biodegradable mulch in a bid to solve an ongoing issue for the Bowen district's fruit and vegetable growers, that of disposing of polyethylene mulch.
Polyethylene mulch is a staple in many trickle irrigation production systems, particularly in crops such as tomatoes, melons, capsicums and zucchini.
The mulch assists growers reduce their water and fertiliser use, suppresses weeds, as well as delivering higher yields and a better product.
But the disposal of the polyethylene mulch is a problem.
DPI&F researchers have trialled alternative mulches for a number of years.
Up until now, all have failed due to varying factors, including prohibitive cost, failure to biodegrade or being unusable in a commercial context.
However, after two seasons of trials at the Bowen research station, a biodegradable mulch which originates from Italy but is manufactured in Australia, is performing well.
DPI&F horticulturist Sue Heisswolf said 12, 15 and 20-micron mulch was being trialled under double row capsicum crops.
"Cost remains an issue so it is encouraging that the 12 micron mulch is still performing well after nine weeks in the field," she said.
The 12 micron product should be more price-competitive with the standard polyethylene mulch than the 15 or 20 micron product, she said.
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