Use of by-products for agricultural benefit

Crop protection, including weed management, is a critical issue in agriculture. Mulching, which consists of covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials, is used to control soil moisture, soil temperature, nutrient loss, salinity, erosion, soil structure, etc. Its benefits for the growth and yield of annual and perennial crops have long been recognised. Although it is an age-old practice for managing weeds, mulching has largely dwindled since the widespread use of herbicides; however, now it is gaining importance in the context of sustainable agriculture. Different mulching materials have been used in different crops in different climatic environments for weed management, and results vary according to the chosen approach, growing practices, conditions and species. These materials include crop residues, non-degradable plastic films, and also biodegradable films. The lifetime of an agricultural mulch varies considerably (i.e., months to years) depending on the nature of the material, its application, its thickness, and the environmental conditions.