Polyethylene mulch is a staple in many trickle irrigated production systems, particularly in crops such as tomatoes, melons, capsicum and zucchini.

The mulch assists growers to reduce their water and fertiliser use, suppresses weeds, as well as delivering higher yields and a better product.

However, the disposal of the mulch is an on-going issue.

DPI&F researchers have trialled alternative mulches for a number of years.

Up until now, all have failed due to varying factors, including prohibitive cost, failure to biodegrade or being unusable in a commercial context.

However, a commercial product originating from Italy may be the answer to the problem.

“This biopolymer film is based on cornstarch and until recently had been fully imported from Italy, making it too expensive for growers,” trial project leader Sue Heisswolf said.

“However, our information is that, due to grower demand in southern Australia, a local company is now manufacturing the product.”

The product, Mater-Bi from Novamont, was trialled on a Bowen grower’s property last year with very promising results.

“We are keen to further test the product under North Queensland conditions and have established strip trials at DPI&F’s Bowen research station,” Ms Heisswolf said.

The mulch comes in two thicknesses, 15 microns and 25 microns and these are being assessed against the standard polyethylene mulch.

“We are looking at susceptibility to tearing and puncturing, weed suppression as well as photographic recording of degradation over time.

"And of course, we'll be looking at quality and yield of the zucchini and capsicum crops being trialled,” Ms Heisswolf said.

The in-field results will also be accompanied by a cost analysis of the new mulch versus what is now being used in the district.

The trial, which is a collaboration with the Bowen District Growers Association, will be open to vegetable growers for field walks in August and September so growers can review results first-hand.

* More information: Sue Heisswolf 07 4761-4000.

SOURCE: Queensland County Life weekly newspaper, updated daily on FarmOnline.