The Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station has introduced a low-cost paper agricultural film to address plastic use in organic farming, aligning with Taiwan's net-zero and sustainability goals. According to a news release, local organic farmers typically rely on manual labor or plastic film covers for weed control. However, the current labor shortage and plastic pollution necessitate alternative solutions.
The station's paper films, crafted from regenerated vegetable fiber, are biodegradable. Station Director Lo Cheng-tsung highlighted that while plastic films are traditionally used to cover soil surfaces and inhibit weed growth in organic rice production, they contribute to environmental pollution. These films often break, leaving waste that is challenging to clean.
Weed control remains essential in organic rice cultivation, yet manual weeding faces challenges due to labor shortages. In 2023, the station began using paper film in organic rice fields, demonstrating reduced weed presence compared to uncovered fields. The experiment indicated that paper film could decrease weed coverage by 24% and double production volume.
In another study involving cucumbers grown in greenhouses, paper film effectively inhibited weeds and remained intact after five months, achieving production volumes comparable to those using plastic films. The experiments suggest that paper films not only reduce plastic pollution but also support the production of quality organic crops by retaining soil moisture at lower temperatures.
Paper agricultural films, a growing global trend, are also used in countries like Japan. In Taiwan, these films are now registered as approved materials for organic farming. The cost of using paper films in Taiwan is approximately US$950 per hectare, compared to US$1,015 to US$1,140 for manual weeding.
Lo stated, "That means the application of paper films is highly feasible," noting that technological advancements and their increasing popularity could further reduce costs. The station plans to continue developing and testing various paper film materials to enhance durability and adaptability across different cultivation environments.
Source: Taipei Times