GENERAL EXPECTED RESULTS
The common results that are going to be obtained from all the tested crops will be the next ones.
CROP YIELD
It is expected that this new mulching material will not have any depressing effect on the crop; contrarily, an increase in crop production could be expected by improving soil fertility.
CROP QUALITY
Agropaper® hopes to obtain an adequate quality in the crops developed with this strategy, according to the quality criteria established for each crop (nutritional and morphological criteria; fruit size, etc.).
INCIDENCE OF PESTS
The use of Agropaper® in the cultivation plots will prevent the growth of weeds and pests that can have a direct negative effect on the crop.
SOIL HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE
Agropaper® is expected to achieve an increase in the temperature and humidity of the surface layer of the soil, which will have a positive effect on each crop (growth, development and yield).
EDAPHIC FERTILITY
It proposes a controlled incorporation of this paper, after cultivation in the soil. Paper remains will be degraded by the soil microorganisms, which will positively influence the edaphic fertility of agricultural soils, with the subsequent impact on soil key aspects, such as health, biodiversity and carbon fixation.
SPECIFIC PARTNERS RESULTS
The effectiveness of AgroPaper in controlling weeds has been proven. It has been found necessary to continue working on the placement of the paper to avoid breakages in the process.
AgroPaper has been proven to be effective in controlling weeds. Improvements have been experienced in the placement of the paper through the use of machines with an axle to support the reel. Temperature control in summer has been verified, avoiding root asphyxia of the crops. It has been found necessary to continue working on the development of the paper to improve water conductivity.
The ability of the paper to retain water in the crop has been tested. Further work on the development of the paper has been seen as necessary to improve temperature control in geographical areas with low temperatures, such as France.
Abiotic degradation of paper in the crop enhanced by climate and soil nitrogen has been demonstrated. Positive relationship between soil fertilization and paper degradation has been also proven.
The regulations and standards at European and national level in relation to agricultural inputs and organic production have been analysed to promote the positioning of paper mulch within the group of biodegradable mulches.
Different ranges of AgroPaper have been designed and produced according to the climatic and growing conditions in different climatological areas. New quality studies have been developed and coatings have been applied to improve the moisture resistance of the paper.
RESULTS REPORTS
Download and consult the LIFE AgroPaper Results Reports
