Mulch Matters

We are here to update you on the latest research about BDM and recycling options PE mulch as well as help you to answer any questions you might have. In each episode, we'll dive into the latest research, trends, news, and insights on why mulch matters and how we can improve plastic mulch end-of-life options. We'll also branch out and discuss other plastics as well as talk to researchers, experts, and practitioners in the field who will share their insights and experiences on how to use mulch effectively in different settings.

Mulch Matters is a education podcast hosted by Nataliya Shcherbatyuk, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Nataliya Shcherbatyuk hosts Mulch Matters, a education show with 34 episodes published.

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  Episode #35

  Willingness to Pay: Kevin Morris on Consumer Demand for Sustainable Strawberries

  Sep 28, 202633 minS1

  In this episode of Mulch Matters , host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk talks with Kevin Morris, a PhD student in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University, whose research focuses on consumer willingness to pay for sustainably produced strawberries. Kevin shares how he became involved in the project, why willingness‑to‑pay studies matter for growers, and how economic tools can help estimate demand for products that don't yet exist on the market. Together, they explore why strawberry production is uniquely positioned for sustainable innovation, the challenges of recycling contaminated agricultural mulch films, and how consumer preferences can influence grower decisions. Kevin breaks down the double‑bounded bidding method used in his study, explains what it means when more than 60% of respondents accept both bids, and discusses how credible eco‑labeling could help translate consumer interest into real industry change. He also reflects on the broader implications for policymakers and growers—highlighting how financial incentives, clear communication, and reliable labeling could accelerate adoption of biodegradable mulches and advanced recycling technologies. This episode offers an accessible and insightful look at how economics can help drive sustainability in specialty crop production. Note: 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. Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay

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  Episode #34

  Inside the Mulch Film Challenge: A Deep Dive with Waste Expert Gene Jones

  Aug 28, 202637 minS1

  In this episode of Mulch Matters , host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Gene Jones, Executive Director of the Southern Waste Information Exchange, to unpack more than four decades of experience in waste management and agricultural plastics. Gene shares how he became involved in mulch film recycling, the challenges posed by soil‑contaminated polyethylene films, and why mechanization in mulch removal remains slow to adopt across farming systems. Together, they explore the environmental implications of open‑field burning, the surprising levels of soil and moisture contamination found in mulch film, and the engineering innovations—from mechanical extractors to shredding technologies—that could reshape how agricultural plastics are handled. Gene also discusses realistic end‑market opportunities for recycled mulch film, including pyrolysis, cement kiln fuel, and asphalt modification, and offers his perspective on policy changes that could accelerate progress in the United States. This episode provides a candid, technical, and forward‑looking conversation about the future of mulch film recycling—and why solving this challenge matters for growers, industry, and the environment. Note: Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay

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  Episode #33

  Turning recovered plastic mulch into opportunities for asphalt

  Jul 27, 202631 minS1

  In this episode of Mulch Matters , host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Dr. Karl Englund (Washington State University) and Dr. Kun Zhang (California State University, Chico) to explore one of the most challenging—and promising—topics in agricultural sustainability: recycling plastic mulch . Karl and Kun share how their backgrounds in recycled plastics, composites, and asphalt engineering led them into this interdisciplinary project. Together, they unpack the realities of contamination, soil adhesion, fumigant residues, and the complex logistics of collecting agricultural plastics. As Karl notes, "the contamination of the soil is probably the biggie" and Kun highlights that "plastic mulch recycling in asphalt is a technically sound solution." Listeners will learn: Why agricultural plastics are harder to recycle than post‑consumer plastics How asphalt pavement can serve as a value‑added recycling pathway How soil type, contamination levels, and rheology affect recyclability What future technologies may reshape plastic mulch end‑of‑life management This episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the science, engineering, and collaboration driving new solutions for agricultural plastic waste. 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. Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay

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  Mulch Matters

  Turning Plastic Mulch into Opportunity: Cynthia Sigira on Pyrolysis, Recycling Challenges & Circular Solutions

  Jun 29, 202633 min

  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. agriculture. She explains why plastic mulch use has surged—highlighting that it can lead to " up to 60% increased crop yields " —while also unpacking the environmental risks of current disposal practices like burning, burying, and landfilling. A major focus of the conversation is Cynthia's work on pyrolysis , which she describes using a memorable analogy: " imagine cooking something using a slow cooker " . She discusses how real‑world conditions—UV exposure, soil contamination, additives—affect pyrolysis outcomes and why these films are so challenging to recycle. Cynthia also dives into the promise of catalytic pyrolysis, the hurdles to scaling it, and what a truly circular system for agricultural plastics could look like. Whether you're a grower, researcher, policymaker, or sustainability enthusiast, this episode offers a clear, insightful look at the science, challenges, and future of mulch film recycling. 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. Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay

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  Episode #31

  From Cradle to Grave: Life Cycle Insights from California's Strawberry Fields

  May 29, 202627 minS1

  <p>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.</p> <p>We explore:</p> <p>• How PBAT, PLA, and TPS mulch formulations differ</p> <p>• Why soil biodegradation consistently outperforms other end‑of‑life pathways</p> <p>• The hidden environmental costs of landfilling PE mulch</p> <p>• What sensitivity analysis reveals about degradation rates and transport distances</p> <p>• Key limitations in current LCA methods for soil‑biodegradab...

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