In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Dan Martens, Vice President of Novamont North America, for a deep and candid conversation about the past, present, and future of compostable mulch films. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Dan walks us through the evolution of compostable materials, the science behind biodegradation, and why understanding microplastics requires more logic than fear.

Together, they explore:

• How compostable mulch films have been studied for over two decades

• What long‑term soil research reveals about biodegradation and soil health

• Why marine biodegradability is complex — and what recent studies actually show

• The role of universities like Washington State University and UConn in advancing unbiased research

• The challenges and roadblocks facing BDMs in organic certification

• How standards like ASTM D6400 and ISO 17088 really work

• The innovations on the horizon, from multilayer films to biodegradable consumer goods

• Why new materials — not bans — are essential for a sustainable future

Dan also shares a powerful message about responsibility, scientific progress, and the importance of giving farmers real choices. This episode is packed with insight, clarity, and forward‑thinking ideas for anyone interested in soil health, sustainable agriculture, or the future of plastics.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Washington State University PhD researcher Xueyu Zhou to dig into what really happens to biodegradable mulch once it's tilled into the soil.

Xueyu shares insights from a multi‑state field experiment spanning Washington, Nebraska, Florida, and California, where the team tracks mulch fragments—from large pieces to microplastics—over time. She explains how soil conditions, climate, and microbial activity shape the degradation process, and why strawberries are an ideal crop for testing these materials under real‑world conditions.

Listeners will learn:

• Why biodegradable mulch behaves differently across regions

• How researchers collect and analyze mulch fragments in the field

• What early results reveal about degradation after one year

• Practical considerations and limitations farmers should keep in mind

• What future research is needed to understand long‑term soil impacts

Whether you're a grower, researcher, or simply curious about sustainable agriculture, this episode offers a grounded, science‑based look at biodegradable mulch and its potential role in more sustainable production systems.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Beth Prosnitz, a postdoctoral research associate and sociologist at Washington State University, to explore the human side of plastic mulch decisions in agriculture.

Rather than focusing only on materials or technology, this conversation dives into how economic realities, social values, land tenure, environmental responsibility, and farmer identity all intersect when growers decide whether to use polyethylene or biodegradable plastic mulch particularly in strawberry production systems.

Beth introduces the concept of relational work, explaining how farmers balance price, labor, environmental stewardship, food safety, land leases, and peer expectations when making real-world decisions. The discussion also highlights why biodegradable mulch adoption is not always feasible, the role of waste management and recycling markets, and how skepticism around recycling affects grower trust.

This episode offers valuable insight for growers, researchers, policymakers, waste management professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, showing that plastic mulch decisions are not just technical choices, but deeply relational ones shaped by people, policies, and long-term realities in the field.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we sit down with Sam Baker, CEO of Wriggle Brew, for a compelling conversation that bridges soil science, sustainability, and the future of plastic waste management. What began as a quest to develop organic fertilizers using earthworms evolved into a groundbreaking exploration of how larval microbes can digest plastic - offering a novel, biologically driven solution to one of the planet's most pressing environmental challenges.

Sam shares the origin story of his work, from his background in chemistry and economics to the moment a fishing trip with his grandfather sparked a mission to combat fertilizer runoff and soil degradation. Through trial, error, and innovation, his team discovered that certain worm species and their gut microbes could not only process food and farm waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost, but also break down polystyrene and other plastics. This led to the development of a bioreactor system capable of converting plastic into microbe-ready material, ultimately producing shelf-stable, microplastic-free organic fertilizer.

The conversation dives deep into the science behind pyrolysis, microbial digestion, and the challenges of scaling up this technology. Sam also reflects on the importance of affordability in sustainable innovation, arguing that eco-friendly solutions must be accessible to truly make an impact.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of agricultural innovation, plastic recycling, and environmental entrepreneurship - highlighting how worms and waste might just hold the key to a more regenerative future.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

This podcast episode from Mulch Matters features an in-depth conversation with Theron Smith, co-owner of Flipping Iron—a California-based recycling company that has evolved from metal recovery to becoming a key player in agricultural plastic recycling. The episode traces Theron's personal and professional journey, beginning with his grandfather's metal recycling business and expanding into the complex world of plasticulture, including mulch film, fumigation film, and drip tape.

Theron shares insights into the challenges of recycling agricultural plastics, the evolution of Flipping Iron's operations, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. He discusses the company's expansion across multiple states, the role of family in the business, and the strategic shift toward plastics despite initial resistance. The conversation also explores the limitations of domestic recycling infrastructure, the reliance on international export markets.

Throughout the episode, Theron emphasizes the value of collaboration over competition, highlighting partnerships with growers, engineers, and institutions like Washington State University and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. He also reflects on the broader implications of plastic use, sustainability, and the need for innovative solutions—whether through mechanical recycling, advanced technologies, or alternative applications like construction materials and fuel sources.

This episode is both a personal narrative and a technical exploration of the recycling landscape, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the plasticulture industry, its environmental stakes, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving change.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode we're diving into a type of mulch you may not have heard much about—lignocellulose film (LCF). Joining me is Aidan Williams, who has been researching this bio-based biodegradable mulch made from renewable woody biomass.

Aidan shares her journey into agroecology, how LCF is produced, and why it could be a promising alternative to plastic and paper-based mulches. We also explore results from her greenhouse raspberry trials, insights on soil degradation experiments, and even consumer perspectives on biodegradable mulches.

If you're curious about sustainable solutions for agriculture, or just want to learn how science and innovation are reshaping the future of mulch, this episode is for you! 🌱✨

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we welcome Dr. Shuresh Ghimire, Associate Extension Educator and IPM Specialist at the University of Connecticut. From his roots on a small farm in Nepal to leading integrated pest management programs in the USA, Shuresh shares his journey, expertise, and insights into sustainable agriculture.

The conversation dives into:

• Why integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for balancing environmental, economic, and social priorities.

• The real-world benefits and challenges of using biodegradable mulches (BDMs) vs. polyethylene mulch (PE).

• Economic and environmental reasons why growers in the Northeast are embracing BDMs.

• How hemp production is evolving in Connecticut.

• The importance of partnerships among universities, agencies, and farmers to drive agricultural innovation.

Whether you're a grower, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this episode offers practical knowledge, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on the future of mulch management and sustainable farming.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we speak with Jazmine Mejia-Muñoz, Water Quality Program Manager at the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, about the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and plastic use in California's iconic Monterey Bay region.

Together, we explore the deep-rooted history of plasticulture, the evolving role of biodegradable mulches (BDMs), and what it takes to transition toward more sustainable practices in high-value cropping systems like strawberries. Jazmine shares real-world insights from grower collaborations, lessons from field trials, and challenges of BDM use in rotational systems. From labor costs and landfill fees to microplastic misconceptions and grower education, this episode dives into both the science and human stories behind the mulch.

Whether you're a grower, researcher, or sustainability advocate, this episode offers a well-rounded look at why mulch matters—and how collaborative innovation can lead to healthier soils and cleaner waters.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Carol Miles from Washington State University, for a compelling conversation about her recent trip to China to attend the International Strawberry Symposium. Our discussion offers a fascinating window into the contrasts and connections between Chinese and U.S. agricultural practices, particularly around strawberry production and plastic mulch use.

Carol reflects on the incredible technological leap she observed in Chinese greenhouses, where high-tech, hydroponic tabletop systems are now used in showcase facilities. But she also shares her experience visiting local farms after the symposium, where strawberry production looked much more traditional—though still impressive. One of the most striking takeaways was how small-scale farms in China can remain highly profitable and deeply integrated into the community, offering lessons in sustainability and land stewardship that may be overlooked in the U.S.

This conversation is not only an agricultural deep-dive—it's a thoughtful reflection on culture, economy, and the future of food systems. Whether you're a grower, researcher, or simply curious about how other countries are innovating in agriculture, this episode will leave you with fresh perspectives and new questions to consider.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we sit down with Ben Andros, President of Andros Engineering, to explore how innovative machinery and thoughtful design are transforming the way we manage plasticulture in agriculture. From recycling drip tape and mulch film to collaborating with researchers on sustainable solutions, Ben shares the journey of tackling one of ag's biggest waste challenges—with humor, heart, and high-tech tools.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at ag-tech innovation, real-world challenges in plastic recycling, and why teamwork across sectors is key to building a cleaner future.

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/