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Bye-Bye Plastic Mulch!

CWSF · 2026 Agriculture, Fisheries & Food Gold Medal

Gayatri Sakharkar · Intermediate Division · Grades 9–10

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Overview

The plastic mulch film, a plastic sheet applied to agricultural soils, increases crop yield through its benefits such as moisture retention and weed suppression. However, due to their potential of forming microplastics, many biodegradable alternatives have emerged. However, these alternatives still showcase a high leaching potential of toxic substances or substances with unknown environmental fate (Michaela K. Reay, 2025). I aimed to address this gap by asking a question. Can a novel polysaccharide-based mulch film serve as a lower leachate toxicity alternative to conventional films while preserving performance?  The film showcased lower leachate toxicity under the testing conditions due to likely lack of inhibition in bioassays, hydrophilic functional group presence, and low material toxicity. The film also met performance by meeting/exceeding many physical and mechanical properties.  This project demonstrates the potential for increased crop yield without compromising soil, plant, or even human health.  Ultimately, providing a more sustainable option.

Awards (4)

  • Young Scientist Award
  • Challenge Award
  • Gold Medal
  • Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

  • CWSF 2026 Agriculture, Fisheries & Food

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