would be incurred for disposal (in field burning) or recycling of the mulch. The labor cost for mulch application was not included because of the small plot size with the thought that if performed in a production setting the cost would be minimal. Total
, disposal of petroleum-based plastic mulches is a significant environmental concern that has led many growers to consider alternatives. Popular alternatives to PE mulches include organic mulches derived from agricultural or urban byproducts and waste [e
). The conversion of squid waste (squid byproducts) into organic fertilizer may present a solution to problems associated with high disposal costs for squid processors. The economic burden of squid byproduct disposal, and the high N content associated
decades. The mulching market (sold for crops) in the United States was estimated to be $0.69 billion in 2020, whereas the global market for mulch films is projected to reach $5.1 billion by 2027 ( ReportLinker, 2020 ). However, mulch removal and disposal
in increased yields compared with bare ground production systems ( Berger et al., 2013 ). Despite these advantages, plastic disposal issues, costs of the materials and labor to install them, and the intensive tillage required for installation, which
The widespread use and disposal of petroleum-based plastic containers in the green industry has generated serious concerns ( Evans and Hensley, 2004 ; Hall et al., 2009 ; Levitan and Barros, 2003 ). Biocontainers are containers made of
Abstract
The disposal of solid wastes from domestic and industrial sources and sludges from sewage treatment plants is an ever-increasing problem. More than 20 years ago our society’s prodigious waste production prompted Vance Packard (65) to characterize our society as a society of “waste makers” going from “riches to rags.” Estimates of the per capita production of waste vary, but it has been noted that the average person is generating more waste each year (97). During the last decade, environmental concerns and energy needs have raised serious questions about our methods of waste disposal. Bohn and Cauthorn (13) have observed that our handling of waste has been unimaginative and expensive.
.8% on a dry weight basis ( Mitchell et al., 1995 ). Land application was the predominant disposal method for PL in the past. However, as a result of increased environmental awareness, PL is now under strict new state and federal regulations concerning
a leaf litter disposal method determined that maple and oak leaf litter could be mulched into established turfgrass with no apparent deleterious effects (i.e., decreased turfgrass color or quality) ( Nikolai et al., 1998 ). Unrelated to the
salinity concentration water ( UNEP International Environmental Technology Center, 1998 ). Concentrate water disposal is difficult and expensive. The RO concentrate water might be used as irrigation water in semiarid areas where water is limited ( Flores et