A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture
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The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. 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. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production.
Key Features
- Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels
- Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture
- Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production
Readership
Undergraduate and graduate students, Extension professionals, growers, industry representatives, government officials involved with agriculture and the agricultural plastic film industry
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
- Abstract
- History—North America
- Film Manufacturing
- Additives
- Plastic Mulch
- Row Covers
- Drip Irrigation
- High/Low Tunnels
- Plastic Greenhouses
- Rigid Molded Plastics
- Plastics in Animal Production
- Plasticulture in Europe: History
- Protected Cultivation: Early History
- Mulches
- Low Tunnels
- Floating Row Covers
- Greenhouses
- Irrigation and Drainage
- Ensilage
- Other Applications
- Residues
- Good Agricultural Practices—Integrated Pest Management
- Further Reading
2. Plastic Film Production
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Polymer Properties
- Extrusion
- Main Processing Parameters
- Conclusion
3. Plastic Mulches for the Production of Vegetable Crops
- Abstract
- Specifications
- Importance of Color
- Advantages of Plastic Mulches
- Disadvantages of Plastic Mulches
- References
4. Row Covers
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Row Cover Materials
- Effects of Row Covers on the Crop Microclimate
- Effects of Row Covers on Crops
- Summary
- References
5. Drip Irrigation
- Abstract
- Introduction
- What Is Drip Irrigation
- Origins of Drip Irrigation
- Uses of Drip Irrigation
- Advantages of Drip Irrigation
- Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation
- Installation of Drip Irrigation Systems
- Operating the Irrigation System
- Summary
- References
6. High Tunnels
- Abstract
7. Plastics in Greenhouse Production
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Plastic Greenhouse Coverings
- Plastic Pots, Trays, and Flats
- Plastics in Hydroponics
- References
8. Horticulture Plastics
- Abstract
- History of Container-Grown Plants
- The Modern Plastic Growing Container
- Container Standards
- Nursery Containers
- Reusable and Recycling
- Eco-friendly Growing Containers
- Bioplastic
- Summary
- References
9. Plastics in Animal Production
- Abstract
- Polymers and Types of Plastic Used on Livestock Farms
- Plastic Film for Animal Feed Storage
- Innovative Oxygen Barrier Films for Silage Conservation
- References
10. Disposal of Plastics
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Recycling
- Energy Reclamation
- Landfilling
- Reuse
- References
Product details
- No. of pages: 224
- Language: English
- Copyright: © William Andrew 2017
- Published: March 16, 2017
- Imprint: William Andrew
- eBook ISBN: 9780081021767
- Hardcover ISBN: 9780081021705
About the Editor
Michael Orzolek
Michael D. Orzolek is Professor Emeritus of Vegetable Crops, Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University. Since 1981, he had a three-way appointment - 60% Extension, 22% Research and 18% Teaching. Since his retirement in June, 2012, he has kept active conducting applied field research and moving his office to the Horticulture Research Farm, Rock Springs, PA. He has done extensive research on stand establishment, plastic mulches, high tunnels, weed management and tillage systems. Mike is still the current Director of the Penn State Center for Plasticulture and the CP High Tunnel Research and Education Facility at Rock Springs, PA..
Dr. Orzolek formerly was Extension Vegetable Specialist at the University of Delaware (1974-81). He received his B.S. in Biology from Alliance College, his M.S. in Horticulture from West Virginia University, and his Ph.D. in Horticulture/Botany from the University of Maryland.
Affiliations and Expertise
Professor Emeritus of Vegetable Crops, Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
Ratings and Reviews
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MannieClapp Mon Oct 28 2019
about A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture
Excellent overview