Crop covers in the vegetable sector: With new waste regulations about to come into effect, degradable crop protection films are being tested

摘要

The amount of waste plastic created during vegetable production has significantly increased over the past decade. ADAS estimates that approximately 3,500 tonnes were purchased for use in vegetable production in 2003 and this produced a waste disposaltonnage of 14,000 tonnes, the increase in weight being due to contamination with soil and water. Agricultural waste (including plastic covers and mulches) is controlled by the Agricultural Waste Regulations 2006, which will become fully active from 15 May 2007. In most instances waste will require removal from the farm site for recycling or disposal.