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Considerations

Sociology is a science that allows us to explore the perceptions, experiences, and adoption of new technologies or innovations. Because soil-biodegradable mulches (BDM) are a new technology, it needs to be studied from a sociological perspective. Research has shown that the major barriers of BDM adoption are insufficient knowledge, high cost of BDM, and unpredictable breakdown. In contrast, the major bridges to adoption are reduced plastic waste, environmental benefits, and interest in further learning about this new and promising technology.

 

Fact Sheets & Articles

  • Goldberger, J.R. and C. Lyons. 2017. Use of plastic mulch films in U.S. strawberry production. Project Report (PDF). 30 Jan. 2020.

 

Scientific Publications

 

Additional Resources

USDA NIFA (logo)
Award nos. 2022-51181-38325, 2019-51181-30012 & 2014-51181-22382

Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) (logo)

 

WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (logo)

Washington Raspberries (logo)

SCRI-Logo

Improving end-of-life management of plastic mulch in strawberry systems