NIIT has come up with a process for the development of biodegradable lignocellulosic fibre based mulching mats and sheets for modern farming.
Mulching is a covering, usually made of petroleum-based plastics, spread on the ground around plants to prevent excessive evaporation or erosion, inhibit weed growth, enrich the soil, support drip-irrigation, etc. Process know-how for the fabrication of thinner, flexible and rollable lignocellulosic fibre-based mulching mats using bio-based polymer binder for better crop growth. These mulching mats are biodegradable and eco-friendly substitute to single-use plastic mulching films. A pilot-scale facility for the demonstration and fabrication of biodegradable mulching mats and sheets is available.
For further details contact: The director, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Telephone number : +91-471 – 2515226 / 2490324, Email : director@niist.res.in
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