Evaluation of Biodegradable Mulch Film in spring planting of Sorghum and Maize

Biodegradable mulch (BDM) film may be beneficial in the production of spring planted maize or sorghum in Darling Downs/Central Queensland region. The agronomic benefits of applying a BDM film in these regions include achieving enhanced water use efficiency, increasing soil temperature and creating a physical barrier to weed emergence.

The opportunity exists to capture and retain early-spring rainfall in the soil profile allowing better crop water utilisation especially of upper layers where evaporative losses from bare soil are highest. Raising the soil temperature will facilitate earlier establishment, allow for more efficient use of upper soil layer moisture, and reduce soil moisture loss as canopy cover will be achieved earlier in the season. Earlier planting will also reduce the impact of heat damage at flowering and potentially reduce early season insect damage. BDM film technology has progressed over the past few years and it is therefore relevant to assess this technology in terms of broadacre crop production.