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

by Michael Orzolek (Editor)

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780081021767
Publisher:	William Andrew
Publication date:	03/16/2017
Series:	Plastics Design Library
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	10 MB

About the Author

Michael D. Orzolek is Professor Emeritus of Vegetable Crops, Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University. Since 1981, he had a three-way appointment - 60% Extension, 22% Research and 18% Teaching. Since his retirement in June, 2012, he has kept active conducting applied field research and moving his office to the Horticulture Research Farm, Rock Springs, PA. He has done extensive research on stand establishment, plastic mulches, high tunnels, weed management and tillage systems. Mike is still the current Director of the Penn State Center for Plasticulture and the CP High Tunnel Research and Education Facility at Rock Springs, PA..Dr. Orzolek formerly was Extension Vegetable Specialist at the University of Delaware (1974-81). He received his B.S. in Biology from Alliance College, his M.S. in Horticulture from West Virginia University, and his Ph.D. in Horticulture/Botany from the University of Maryland.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction2. Plastic Film Production3. Plastic Mulches for the Production of Vegetable Crops4. Row Covers5. Drip Irrigation6. High Tunnels7. Plastics in Greenhouse Production8. Horticulture Plastics9. Plastics in Animal Production10. Disposal of Plastics

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From the Publisher

An indispensable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and similar plastics products in agricultural production