Journal of Hunan Ecological Science

【Objective】It is to investigate the application effect of fully biodegradable plastic film covering in pepper production. 【Method】Using the common polyethylene (PE) film mulching and non- mulching cultivation as controls, the effects of fully biodegradable plastic film mulching on soil tempera- ture and humidity changes, as well as pepper morphological indicators, photosynthetic parameters, and yield during pepper cultivation were monitored. The degradation of biological film was also observed. 【Result】There was no significant difference in the warming and moisturizing effect of fully biodegradable plastic film on soil compared to PE film. The warming effect at noon was better than that of PE film. The pepper yields under PE film mulching and biodegradable plastic film mulching were 6. 48% and 5. 73% higher, respectively, than those without plastic film mulching. The fully biodegradable plastic film was prone to tearing, with a degradation induction period of 70 days and a rupture period of 6 months after mulching. No residual film was accumulated, which means no need for recyding. 【Conclusion】The use of fully biodegradable film has a similar effect on the soil temperature increasing and humidity retention, pepper growth and yield as ordinary PE film, but it can reduce film residue and manual recycling costs.

fully biodegradable plastic film; pepper; soil temperature and humidity; pepper yield; degradation period