Independent field trials with Rutgers University evaluated Carbon Nurture’s soil-biodegradable mulch film under real agricultural conditions, measuring field performance, weed suppression, crop outcomes, soil health, and microplastics over time. 

Field Study Overview

Plastic mulch can improve yields, but it also creates end-of-season labor, disposal costs, and growing concerns about soil contamination. This field study evaluates Carbon Nurture’s oxidizable polyethylene technology designed for controlled biodegradation in soil. 

Study at a glance 

• Collaboration: Carbon Nurture + Rutgers University 

• Locations: 3 test sites in New Jersey 

• Scale: 20 plots (about 2,200 sq ft total) 

• Crop: Habanero peppers 

• Monitoring: crop yield, chlorophyll, weed suppression; soil sampling from 6 to 33 months 

The Challenge

Growers need mulch film that delivers the strength and weed control of polyethylene without the landfill waste or persistent fragments left behind. Many biodegradable options can degrade too slowly or inconsistently, raising concerns about residues in the soil. This study was designed to test whether an oxidizable polyethylene approach can provide reliable in-season performance and controlled breakdown in soil. 

What the Study Evaluated

Key research questions 

• Does the film match conventional polyethylene in physical performance? 

• How well does it suppress weeds and maintain durability? 

• What happens to the film over time in soil? 

• Does it leave microplastics behind or affect soil health? 

Methods (high level) 

• Installed with standard mulch-laying equipment 

• Soil + microplastics analysis using optical microscopy and FTIR; biodegradation tracking using radiocarbon (Δ¹⁴C) 

• Safety/toxicity assays for earthworms, plant germination, and soil nitrification aligned to international OECD/ISO standards 

Key Findings

Crop performance 

• Select biodegradable films increased yields versus control in some plots 

• One formulation matched polyethylene in chlorophyll levels 

• Weed suppression was nearly equal to polyethylene for the top-performing formulation 

Soil + microplastics 

• Soil organic carbon increased in some plots using biodegradable films 

• Plastic particle levels decreased over time with biodegradable films 

• Radiocarbon analysis showed mulch carbon gradually replaced by new biomass carbon 

Safety 

• No toxicity detected for earthworms, plants, or soil microbes; soils supported normal growth and function 

By the numbers 

• Up to 15% higher yields versus conventional plastic mulch (in trial results) 

• About 40 lbs of plastic waste diverted per acre 

• 98% biodegradation within two years of application 

• 100% safety test pass rate for plant, soil, and water 

Conclusion

Rutgers field trial results indicate Carbon Nurture’s soil-biodegradable mulch film can perform comparably to polyethylene during crop growth, while degrading in soil without leaving persistent microplastics. Soil health indicators improved during the trial period, with further multi-crop and multi-climate testing recommended. 

Download the Full Field Study

Want the full dataset, methods, and detailed results? Download the Full Rutgers Field Study below.

Questions or want to discuss fit for your operation? Contact our team at contact@carbonnurture.com