Implementing sustainability production techniques and landscape management at the UBC Farm

The use of plastics in agriculture, or plasticulture, is a comparatively recent phenomenon, with numerous associated benefits and is used globally to enhance agricultural production. Despite the production benefits of agricultural plastics, sustainable waste management is a considerable challenge, but an important goal for the UBC farm. The objectives of this project were to determine the primary plastics used in agriculture, to establish the main issues concerning the management of plastic waste, and to identify potential alternatives and solutions regarding these challenges. To fulfill these goals, a thorough literature search was conducted, as well as extensive communication with various people affiliated with the recycling industry. The plastics primarily used at the UBC farm include drip tape, plastic mulch, and greenhouse films. It was determined that there are several waste management alternatives for these plastics that are commonly implemented in agriculture, including biodegradable plastics, incineration, and recycling. Recycling was identified as potentially being the most environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic waste management. However, due to a poor market for recycled products and a general reluctance by the recycling industry to refine agricultural plastics, recycling is not a plausible alternative at this time. More research and an initiation of open communication between the agricultural and recycling sectors is necessary to make recycling feasible for everyone involved. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat