Field-Based Experimental Evaluation of Mulch Film Recyclability via Physical Property Dynamics in Tobacco Cultivation

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article-en

Authors

• W. Gao ¹
• X. Yin ^{1, 2}
• Sh. Wang ³
• Z. Tu ^{1, 2}
• Sh. Ming ^{1, 2}
• K. Cai ¹
• H. Cai ⁴
• Ch. Xu ⁵

¹ Guizhou Academy of Tobacco Science, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550081, China

² College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550025, China

³ Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001, China

⁴ Bijie Tobacco Company of Guizhou Province, Bijie, Guizhou, 551700, China

⁵ Fuling Branch of Chongqing Tobacco Company, China National Tobacco Corporation, Fuling, Chongqing 408107, China

https://doi.org/10.22067/jam.2025.93614.1384

Abstract

Residual plastic mulch film pollution in agricultural fields threatens soil health and sustainable agriculture due to structural degradation and inefficient recovery. To address this, this study investigated the effects of mulch film thickness (0.006-0.014 mm), mulching duration (0-120 days), and two contrasting ecological regions in the Guizhou Province of China: Longgang Town (Kaiyang County) and Linquan Town (Qianxi County), on physical properties and recyclability in tobacco cultivation. Analyses of mechanical, optical, and recycling efficiency revealed that tensile, tear, and puncture strengths increase proportionally with thickness across identical durations, while elongation rates initially increase and then decline. Prolonged mulching reduces mechanical performance at fixed thicknesses, with longitudinal tensile and tear strengths consistently exceeding transverse values. Optical properties vary significantly: unused films exhibit peak light transmittance and haze, while 0.008 mm films achieve maximum transmittance, and thicker films (0.010-0.014 mm) show higher haze. Recycling efficiency correlates positively with thickness and inversely with mulching duration. After 120 days, recycling efficiency strongly correlates with longitudinal and transverse tear loads. Regional variations significantly affect the mechanical properties of 0.010 mm films, suggesting that 0.010 mm films may adapt better to diverse environments. Thicker films show higher recyclability after 120 days of mulching due to retained structural integrity. These findings systematically link physical degradation patterns to recyclability under field conditions, offering actionable insights for optimizing mulch film use, designing durable products, and improving recovery machinery. The study supports sustainable agricultural practices by balancing film performance, environmental adaptability, and end-of-life recovery efficiency.

Keywords

• Mechanical properties
• Mulch film recyclability
• Optical properties
• Recycling efficiency
• Tobacco cultivation conditions

Main Subjects

• Agricultural waste management

©2025 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0)

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