An innovative high-reflective mulching membrane coupled with a sub-irrigation system for a sustainable development of food crops

Modern agricultural techniques are responsible for the emission of large volumes of greenhouse gases. During the last decades, many efforts have been made to develop more sustainable techniques and methods. Within this framework, the present study aims at investigating the effectiveness of a high-reflective mulching membrane which is treated with glass micro-spheres and coupled with a sub-irrigation system. This technology is currently tested in the experimental field in Perugia (Central Italy). The effects of this membrane on soil temperature and humidity were evaluated through humidity and temperature sensors. The monitoring campaign conducted during March 2021 has demonstrated that the high-reflective mulching membrane is capable of reducing the soil temperature at different depths (i.e. 0.15 m, 0.10 m, and 0.05 m). Mulching membrane reduced morning soil temperature slightly, while it decreased afternoon soil temperature by 3°C at each investigated depth. In addition, relative humidity was always higher under the mulching membrane, particularly during the night. Basing on such preliminary results, a more detailed and extended monitoring campaign will be performed in the next months. Local food crops will be selected according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet such as seasonality and nutrients balance.