A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture

A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture

Author: Michael Orzolek

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2017-03-16

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 0081021763

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production. Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production


Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability: A call for action

Assessment of agricultural plastics and their sustainability: A call for action

Author: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Publisher: Food & Agriculture Org.

Published: 2021-12-06

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 9251354022

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This report presents the results of a study on agricultural plastic products used globally in a range of different value chains. The study assessed the types and quantities of plastic products, their benefits and trade-offs. Sustainable alternative products or practices were identified for products assessed as having high potential to cause harm to human and ecosystem health or having poor end-of-life management. The report is based on data derived from peer-reviewed scientific papers, governmental and non-governmental organization’s research reports, as well as from industry experts, including relevant trade bodies. The report’s recommendations were verified during extensive consultation and review with FAO and external experts. The authors hope that the study will provide an impetus for discussion about the use of agricultural plastics, their benefits and trade-offs, and ultimately stimulate action to reduce their potential for harm to human health and the environment.


Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments

Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments

Author: Nanthi S. Bolan

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2020-07-30

Total Pages: 466

ISBN-13: 1000081419

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The manufacture of plastic as well as its indiscriminate disposal and destruction by incineration pollutes atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic plastics do not break down; they accumulate in the environment as macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics. These particulate plastics are a major source of pollutants in soil and marine ecosystems. Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments provides a fundamental understanding of the sources of these plastics and the threats they pose to the environment. The book demonstrates the ecotoxicity of particulate plastics using case studies and offers management practices to mitigate particulate plastic contamination in the environment. Features · Describes physical and chemical properties of particulate plastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems · Presents information on characteristics of particulate plastics as impacted by weathering processes · Provides numerous approaches for managing particulate plastic contamination · Identifies sources of particulate plastics in the environment; distribution and characteristics of particulate plastics; and management strategies of particulate plastics Written by a global team of scientists, this book is for researchers in the fields of environmental safety and waste management or individuals interested in the impact of particulate plastics on environmental health.


Plastics in Agriculture

Plastics in Agriculture

Author: Pierre Dubois

Publisher:

Published: 1978

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Introduction to plasticulture;general background to plasticulture;roles of the principal materials and products;properties of semi-finishedproducts in plasticulture;plasticulture in practice;standards and specifications;results achieved with plastics;prospects for plasticulture.


Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management

Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management

Author: Francesco Colangelo

Publisher: Woodhead Publishing

Published: 2021-12-01

Total Pages: 730

ISBN-13: 0128230134

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management summarizes key research trends in recycling and reusing concrete and industrial waste to reduce their environmental impact. This volume also includes important contributions in collaboration with the CRI-TEST Innovation Lab, Naples – Acerra. Part one discusses eco-friendly innovative cement and concrete and reviews key substitute materials. Part two analyzes the use of industrial waste as aggregates and the mechanical properties of concrete containing waste materials. Part three discusses differences between innovative binders, focusing on alkali-activated and geopolymer concrete. Part four provides a thorough overview of the life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete containing industrial wastes and the impacts related to the logistics of wastes, the production of the concrete, and the management of industrial wastes. By providing research examples, case studies, and practical strategies, this book is a state-of-the-art reference for researchers working in construction materials, civil or structural engineering, and engineers working in the industry. Offers a systematic and comprehensive source of information on the latest developments in sustainable concrete; Analyzes different types of sustainable concrete and innovative binders from chemical, physical, and mechanical points of view; Includes real case studies showing application of the LCA methodology.


Improving Markets for Recycled Plastics Trends, Prospects and Policy Responses

Improving Markets for Recycled Plastics Trends, Prospects and Policy Responses

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2018-05-24

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 9264301011

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Plastics have become one of the most prolific materials on the planet: in 2015 we produced about 380 million tonnes of plastics globally, up from 2 million tonnes in the 1950s. Yet today only 15% of this plastic waste is collected and recycled into secondary plastics globally each year. This ...