DOST develops eco-friendly mulch for sustainable farming
LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA – The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) has developed eco-friendly mulch.
The Institute made it with waste materials to reduce reliance on synthetic and polymer-based ones in farming.
READ: DOST shows PH’s AI weather forecasting tools at APMCDRR 2024
Article continues after this advertisementThe Philippine News Agency explained that the DOST-FPRDI created this mulch from locally sourced biodegradable materials.
These materials comprised 20% abaca-stripping waste and 80% old corrugated cartons and took two years to develop.
It breaks down easily in soil, providing nutrients to crops and reducing weed growth and pest populations.
Article continues after this advertisementAlso, the eco-friendly mulch conserves soil moisture and maintains stable temperatures more effectively than synthetic alternatives.
Engr. Cesar Austria, DOST-FPRDI senior science research specialist and project leader, spoke with the Philippine News Agency regarding this invention.
On November 21, 2024, he told PNA that this eco-friendly mulch would benefit organic vegetable farmers and others who rely on plastic mulch.
“Mass production is the main goal of this project, subject to the results of the field trials,” Austria explained.
“Should field tests be successful, we expect to benefit organic vegetable farmers and other agricultural field practitioners dependent on plastic mulch.”
The DOST-FPRDI signed a memorandum of agreement with JC Del Mundo Sustainable Farming School in Agoncillo, Batangas.
The latter will serve as a demonstration farm, where residents will receive organic farming training using this eco-friendly mulch. Moreover, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. stated:
“Paper mulch technology is one of the innovations that is set to address the increasing demand for sustainable materials and practices in agriculture in our country.”
“It will particularly help address the rising concerns about plastic pollution and soil degradation.”
Soon, this initiative could make Philippine agriculture more sustainable and productive.
