Mulch Matters

Today, we're thrilled to have Hillary Thomas, the Research and Technical Director at Naturipe Berry Growers, join us. Hillary shares her incredible journey from academia to the heart of the berry industry, providing insights into the challenges and innovations in California's strawberry production. In this episode, Hillary discusses her role at Naturipe, the complexities of strawberry farming, and...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa, Professor and Head of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at Montana State University. Dr. Bajwa shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a farm to leading innovative research in biomaterials and bioproducts, particularly hydromulch. He explains hydromulch, its benefits, and its applications in sustainable and organic...

In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Greta Gramig, an expert in plant science and sustainable agriculture from North Dakota State University. Greta shares her insights on biodegradable mulches and their transformative potential in organic farming. Drawing from her academic background and hands-on gardening experiences, she discusses the challenges and innovations in mulching techniques that ai...

In this episode we're excited to have Michael Vincent, the CEO and President of OPT USA, a subsidiary of Ocean Plastic Technologies. With a deep passion for both the environment and innovative solutions, Michael will share his insights into groundbreaking approaches for recycling plastics within the agricultural sector. His experience spans from preventing ocean plastic pollution to implementing o...

In this podcast episode, you will hear from Dan Martens, the Vice President of Novamont North America, discussing sustainable solutions for farming, particularly focusing on compostable mulch films. Dan shares his journey into the industry and explains Novamont's mission to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. He highlights the differences between compostable and...

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the forefront of sustainable agriculture as we delve into the world of biobased mulch with expert Sam Wortman. In this episode, we uncover the transformative potential of biobased mulch in maximizing crop performance. From reducing weeds to conserving water, Sam shares invaluable insights into the diverse applications of biobased mulch in various crops,...

Join us for an enlightening episode as Nataliya hosts Dr. Deirdre Griffin LaHue, an assistant professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Washington State University. Deirdre's research centers on the impact of agricultural practices, such as cropping, tillage, rotation, and mulching, on soil health and the vital soil organisms that drive various soil functions. In this conversation, D...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Carol Miles, a seasoned vegetable extension specialist at Washington State University, shares her wealth of knowledge and insights on the world of sustainable horticulture, particularly focusing on biodegradable mulch. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Miles discusses her journey into horticulture and the significance of vegetable crops in human...

In today's podcast episode, we are joined by two special guests, Lisa DeVetter, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University, and Markus Flury, Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at WSU. As key leaders of a national project titled "Improving End-of-Life Management of Plastic Mulches in Strawberry Systems", they share their insights and goal...

Dive into the world of agriculture and mulch with our Mulch Matters podcast. Discover the benefits of mulching, from moisture retention to temperature control and weed suppression. Learn about the role of organic materials in improving soil health and how plastic mulch impacts the environment. Join the conversation on sustainable agriculture and plastic waste reduction. Whether you're a researcher...