Abstract

ZENNER DE POLANIA, Ingeborg  and  PENA BARACALDO, Fernando. PLÁSTICOS EN LA AGRICULTURA: BENEFICIO Y COSTO AMBIENTAL: UNA REVISIÓNPLASTIC PRODUCTS IN AGRICULTURE: BENEFICE AND AMBIENT COST: A REVIEW. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2013, vol.16, n.1, pp.139-150. ISSN 0123-4226.

The use in agriculture of diverse plastic elements, such as bags, covers, hoses, between others, and the inappropriate destruction, translates into environmental and visual pollution of the Colombian field. The present manuscript presents an analysis of the main uses of these products, of their useful life, of its positive or negative bio-degradability and its potential environmental cost, based on recommendations of its management, described in the literature, field observations and suggestions of ways to dispose of this "rubbish", once the elements comply with its purpose. Also, an analysis of a possible replacement of the "plastic" by other elements, less polluting, but potentially usable for the purposes are included in the interest of the agricultural fruit production, soil protection, weed management, between other agronomic practices. We conclude that despite the wide acceptance of the plasticulture technology this is not based on indigenous research that proves its benefits, but in adopting foreign knowledge. Substantial research activity is however being performed in the country in search of biodegradable polymers that could replace the synthetic ones.

Keywords : Polymers; pollution; agricultural practices; starch; sustainability.

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