In Georgia, polyethylene mulch is widely used in agricultural practices as a quick and affordable means of increasing crop yields. However, the intensive consumption of plastic creates serious agro-ecological challenges: polyethylene residues remaining in the soil after use lead to soil degradation, which poses a long-term threat to land productivity and business profitability.
Currently, there is a low level of awareness among farmers regarding both the negative impact of polyethylene and alternative, biodegradable mulching methods, as well as modern practices for the effective removal of polyethylene from the soil.
To tackle this challenge, CENN and the Georgian Farmers’ Association (GFA) launched a new information campaign: “Agriculture – Not Plasticulture”, which aims to promote the establishment of sustainable agricultural practices and the maintenance of soil fertility by applying circular approaches through awareness raising, knowledge sharing, and the introduction of innovative alternatives.
Why should we say "NO" to Plasticulture?
There is a smart alternative to traditional plastic: certified biodegradable films (e.g., cornstarch-based).
How does it work?
After harvesting, the film is simply plowed directly into the soil.
The Result: With the help of microorganisms, it decomposes completely into water and biomass.
The Benefit: Zero microplastics and zero costs for mulch removal or transportation. Save time and energy—choose mulch that nourishes the soil!
Why “Cheap” Mulch Costs More
Technological Reality: At first glance, the most common lightweight rolls on the market seem economical; however, their simplicity creates a major problem by the end of the season.
The Main Challenge: Low-quality plastic film (less than 50 microns thick) decomposes before the harvest is even over. It becomes nearly impossible to roll up and remove from the plot because it tears upon contact, leaving fragments behind in the soil.
Economic Analysis: Saving 100 GEL at the time of purchase often results in paying 150+ GEL for labor to manually pick up the scraps, or dealing with degraded soil that becomes difficult to till in the future.
The Solution: High-quality, thick mulch (at least 50 microns): It does not tear and can be easily removed by hand or with machinery. This ensures the plot is completely cleared and saves you valuable time.
Agriculture” or “Plasticulture”?
The massive use of plastics in global agriculture – including mulch films, drip systems, and greenhouse covers – has already earned the name “Plasticulture.”
In Georgia, the impact of this method on soil and biodiversity has not yet been fully studied. However, what we can say for certain is that plastic entering the soil does not degrade. Its contact with food products may pose a threat to both product quality and our health.
On one hand, the use of plastic mulch films helps increase yields, but on the other hand, leaving them in the soil or disposing of them improperly creates a long-term risk to land fertility.
While there is no precise accounting of plastic mulch-treated areas in Georgia, foreign trade statistics show a concerning trend: imports of these materials have increased approximately fourfold over the last 10 years.
This growth indicates that plastic mulch has become an integral part of our agriculture. On the one hand, its use reduces the need for herbicides against weeds, which is a positive development. However, such large-scale consumption requires greater caution and proper waste management from us.
As we use more plastic, it becomes increasingly important to know how to manage it safely to avoid damaging our primary natural resources – soil and air. Improper disposal (burning) of these plastics causes toxic air pollution, posing a threat to both the environment and human health.
