South Dakota
Mines researchers are part of a new $6 million grant from the National Science
Foundation (NSF) to develop bioplastics for use in agriculture over the next
four years.
The project, called Bioplastics
with Regenerative Agricultural Properties, or BioWRAP, includes a research team at Mines working alongside a principal
investigator at Kansas State University and researchers at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Traditional specialty crop production, like organic
agriculture, often use petroleum-based plastic sheets to cover the ground.
Conventional plastics leave microplastic residues which contaminate the
environment and increase stormwater runoff. This project aims to reduce the use
of plastics, herbicides, fertilizers and associated environmental impacts in
agricultural production by creating an all-in-one bioplastic system that can
better manage weeds, add nutrients to soils, improve soil and plant health, and
save water.
“This is exciting research to see unfold on campus
as it can have a major benefit for farmers in South Dakota and across the
nation. Kudos to Mines researchers for seeking solutions that are both cost
saving for our ag producers and health...