Manufactured biobased mulch (biomulch) films and fabrics are useful non-chemical weed management tools, but are not typically used for high-density plantings of vegetables such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and carrot (Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus). However, it may be possible for crop roots to grow through a permeable biomulch membrane. Our objective was to demonstrate the potential for lettuce and carrot to germinate on and grow through biomulch, and assess changes in crop growth and yield. Biomulches included a 100% polylactic acid (PLA) biofabric and a PLA (37%) + soybean meal (63%) biofabric (PLA + SOY). Seeds were placed directly on biomulch and top-dressed with a soil mix or compost. Crop roots grew through the biomulch (despite visible constriction in carrot), and total yields were either the same or greater than those in the no-mulch control. PLA + SOY increased lettuce yield by 72% and also degraded faster than the PLA mulch. Results hold promise for improving weed control and reducing labor in high-density vegetable plantings.

中文翻译：

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在生物基覆盖膜中种植生菜和胡萝卜的概念证明

制造的生物基覆盖物（biomulch）薄膜和织物是有用的非化学杂草管理工具，但通常不用于高密度种植蔬菜，如生菜（莴苣L.) 和胡萝卜 (胡萝卜L.亚种。苜蓿）。然而，作物根系有可能通过可渗透的生物覆盖膜生长。我们的目标是展示生菜和胡萝卜在生物覆盖物上发芽和生长的潜力，并评估作物生长和产量的变化。Biomulches 包括 100% 聚乳酸 (PLA) 生物纤维和 PLA (37%) + 豆粕 (63%) 生物纤维 (PLA + SOY)。将种子直接放在生物覆盖物上，并用土壤混合物或堆肥进行追肥。作物根系通过生物覆盖物生长（尽管胡萝卜有明显的收缩），总产量与无覆盖物对照相同或更高。PLA + SOY 将生菜产量提高了 72%，并且比 PLA 覆盖物降解得更快。结果有望改善杂草控制和减少高密度蔬菜种植中的劳动力。