Plastics in Agriculture

For so many years now, the increased use of plastic in agriculture has led to an increase in crop production and quality. Plastics allow for vegetables and fruits to be grown all year round (this is very beneficial to the countries in the temperate and polar zones of the world). Plastics used in agriculture include: polyolefin, polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (EVA), Poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), and the less commonly used Polycarbonate (PC), and poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). Why is plastic so beneficial to agriculture then? Plastics are used in:

· Ensilage: This is very useful during the winter season. Fodder is harvested while green and kept lush through partial fermentation in a silo. Plastic films are used in storing the silage (for their resistance).

· Diverse applications: Plastics are also used in components for irrigation systems like spray cones (these tapes hold the aerial parts of a plant in a greenhouse). They are also used in crates for crop collecting, and in handling and transport of crops.

· Plastic reservoirs and irrigation systems: Plastics are suitable as they do not leak. This is an essential contribution to water management.

· Greenhouses: Greenhouses provide proper environmental conditions for faster and securer plant growth, avoiding extreme temperatures and protecting crops from harmful external conditions.

· Tunnels: Growing crops in tunnels is similar to the greenhouse system, except for the increased complexity and height. Watermelon and asparagus are most commonly cultivated in tunnels.

· Mulching: Plastic mulching reduces evaporation from the soil thereby maintaining humidity, and improves thermal conditions for the plants’ roots. It also prevents contact between the plant and the ground and precludes the growth of weed (which would lead to competition with the plants for soil nutrients and water).

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