Mulch Matters

    In this episode of  Mulch Matters , host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Cynthia Bosibori Sigira , a PhD researcher at NC State University, to explore the rapidly evolving world of agricultural plastic mulch and its end‑of‑life challenges. Cynthia shares her journey from studying environmental engineering in Kenya to researching sustainable recycling pathways for plastic mulch in U.S....

What really happens to mulch films after they're used—and which options are truly sustainable? In this episode, PhD candidate Oluwatunmise Dada joins us to break down the full cradle‑to‑grave life cycle of biodegradable and polyethylene mulches in California's strawberry systems. We explore: • How PBAT, PLA, and TPS mulch formulations differ • Why soil biodegradation consistently outperforms other...

In this episode, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Hadi Ghasemi, a Florida-based researcher, to explore how biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are performing in real-world strawberry production systems. Together, they discuss the promise and limitations of BDMs compared to conventional polyethylene mulch, insights from Florida field trials, and how environmental conditions like moist...

In this episode of Mulch Matters , host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with University of Tennessee researchers Dr. Sean Schaeffer and Jacob Clements to explore the unseen world beneath our feet, where biodegradable mulches, soil microbes, and even carbon isotopes reveal surprising stories. Together, they break down what happens to soil‑biodegradable mulches (BDMs) once they enter the soil, h...

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 mi...

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 micro...

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 i...

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 solut...

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 com...

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...

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...

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 tran...

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...

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 hum...

In this insightful episode of our podcast, we welcome Nayab Gull, a Ph. D. student at Washington State University, to discuss the complex and critical topic of microplastics in agricultural soils. From her unexpected journey into agriculture to her cutting-edge research on microplastics and soil health, Nayab shares both personal stories and professional insights. We explore how microplastics impa...

In this episode we have an engaging conversation with Kevin DeWhitt, the founder of PDO Technology, about the pressing issue of plastic waste management in agriculture. As the world grapples with plastic pollution, innovative solutions are needed to tackle this environmental challenge. Kevin brings his expertise in pyrolysis, a cutting-edge process that breaks down plastic mulch waste and repurpos...

In this episode of Mulch Matters , we welcome Dr. Karen Mancl, a professor at Ohio State University and a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center. Dr. Mancl shares her expertise in plastic pollution, sustainability, and international environmental policy, offering a deep dive into how plastic is used in agriculture—particularly in China and the United States—and the environmental consequences that fol...

In this episode of the Mulch Matters Podcast , we welcome Ben Weiss, a graduate student at Washington State University, to share his journey from construction to agriculture and his passion for sustainable practices. Ben dives into his innovative research on hydromulch, a biodegradable, paper-based mulch technology designed for organic growers. We explore how hydromulch works, its potential altern...

In this episode of the  Mulch Matters podcast, we welcome back Dr. Carol Miles, a professor and vegetable crop specialist at Washington State University. Join us as we delve into her two decades of research on soil biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) and their role in modern and organic agriculture. Dr. Miles shares insights into the challenges of plastic waste in agriculture, the science behind...

In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Lisa DeVetter, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University and our project director. We dive into the fascinating world of mulch and its significant impact on agriculture and the environment. Dr. DeVetter shares insights into the history, benefits, and global significance of polyethylene (PE) plastic mu...

In this enlightening episode, we welcome back Markus Flury, a leading expert in soil science with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Markus, co-director of the end-of-life management of plastic mulch project, shares his journey into soil science and discusses the critical role of soil health in agriculture. We explore his research on biodegradable mulches (BDMs) and their impact on...

In this episode of the Mulch Matters Podcast, we dive into the world of sustainable agriculture with James duBois, Senior Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Driscoll's. With over 15 years of experience in water stewardship and environmental risk management, James shares invaluable insights on reducing field plastics and improving sustainability practices in berry production. Learn about Dr...

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...