Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture

Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. Two organizations which have represented researchers and extension specialist that conducted agricultural plastic research were the International Association for Plastics in Agriculture and the American Society for Plasticulture. With climate change entrenched around the globe, plasticulture use in plant and animal production will neutralize many of the stress events encountered on a daily basis around the world. Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnelsContains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agricultureEqually critical chapters also cover the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production