Plastic and agriculture: how can it be used?

The arrival of plastic in agriculture sparked a genuine revolution, making it an almost indispensable product for the sector. Protecting crops, improving productivity, and optimizing water usage are just three of the many applications of plastic in agriculture—though certainly not the only ones.

To delve deeper into the role of plastic in agriculture, we have prepared this post, in which we analyze its most common uses and the types of plastic most frequently employed.

Uses of plastic in agriculture

Introducing plastic into agriculture helps improve both productivity and crop management. It is therefore no surprise that plastic is used for a wide variety of purposes, such as those listed below.

Greenhouses

One of the most common uses for plastic in agriculture is the construction of greenhouses. These structures make it possible to ensure—or even create—the optimal conditions for the development and growth of all kinds of crops.

To achieve this, it is essential to use high-quality greenhouse plastic, as it serves to protect crops from external threats (such as pests or extreme weather conditions) and can help accelerate the harvest process.

Mini-tunnels

Another agricultural application for plastic is the “mini-tunnel”—a much smaller and simpler type of greenhouse. These are used to cover specific sections of a plantation that, for various reasons (such as being particularly delicate), require extra protection. Furthermore, this type of plastic helps increase the temperature and humidity levels around the crops.

Mulching

In the agricultural sector, soil conditions are crucial for achieving healthy, high-quality crops. Therefore, it is important to maintain a cultivation surface with minimal erosion. This is where mulching comes in—a layer of non-polluting plastic material that helps create the ideal soil structure and conditions for cultivation. Furthermore, it keeps roots healthy and helps prevent the growth of weeds.

Irrigation Systems

Plastics in agriculture offer highly effective solutions for delivering water to crops, enabling very efficient water management that reduces waste and, consequently, costs.

Silage

Silage is a forage preservation process that creates anaerobic conditions—by excluding air—which trigger lactic acid fermentation in the grass. This fermentation establishes an environment where certain microorganisms that would otherwise decompose the grass cannot survive. As a result, as long as the forage remains well-sealed, it can be kept in good condition for a long time.

To achieve this, plastic sheeting and specialized adhesive repair tapes for silos play a key role; they are used to cover the forage, preventing air from entering and ensuring the conditions described above.

Types of Plastics Used in Agriculture

The term “plastics in agriculture” is quite broad. In reality, there are various types of plastic materials, each suited to specific applications. “Some of the most commonly used plastics in this sector include:

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

It is a flexible, lightweight material that is easy to install and resistant to corrosion and chemical substances. For this reason, it is commonly used for water conveyance systems of all kinds, irrigation systems, soil drainage, and the production of heating pipes for greenhouses.

Polyethylene (PE)

The primary function of polyethylene is to protect crops from birds, rodents, and various other animals. It is used to create netting that acts as a barrier against these animals, which can otherwise cause significant damage to crops. Additionally, it is frequently used to reinforce ropes and cords, as well as to manufacture pipes and conduits.

Polystyrene (PS)

Thanks to its excellent thermal properties, polystyrene has a wide range of applications in agriculture—for instance, in insulating stables, farms, and any other type of structure that needs to be kept warm.

Polyolefins (such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, or PP)

The molding of these thermoplastics enables countless agricultural applications. Some of the most notable examples include tanks for storing and transporting liquids, containers for agricultural produce, machinery accessories, and components for irrigation systems.

Polycarbonate

Its impact resistance and thermal properties make it an ideal material for lightweight glazing—for example, in greenhouses. Furthermore, glass-reinforced polyester is used in the construction of rigid silos and various types of containers for agricultural products.

Agricultural plastics: the importance of proper waste management

The agricultural sector is the fifth-largest consumer of plastics in our country, as many businesses have turned to this material to enhance crop productivity.” However, it is also one of the sectors most committed to the environment and to achieving a circular economy; for this reason, there is a strong awareness of the importance of recycling plastic.

In this context, proper waste management—once plastic reaches the end of its useful life—becomes especially important. To this end, it is essential to know how individuals can take action to help minimize environmental impact. At the same time, the involvement of all stakeholders in society is necessary to reach a commitment that allows for progress in this area without harming the agricultural sector.

Related reading: Thermal plant covers: discover their benefits and Flexible packaging: what it is, types and examples.