Biodegradable vs. Reusable Tarps: Which Is More Eco-Friendly for Agriculture?
Performance and environmental impact are always being balanced in modern agriculture. Tarpaulin materials have been investigated as farms shift to more environmentally friendly methods. Reusable tarps and biodegradable tarps are frequently the only two solutions left. Although they both aim to lessen environmental damage, their methods of operation are essentially different. This blog contrasts their long-term farming impact, lifecycle emissions, use cases, and ecological value.
Looking past appearances is necessary to determine whether type is more environmentally friendly. How tarps fit into a farm's overall environmental impact is more critical than their lifespan or rate of decomposition.
How Tarps Contribute to Sustainability in Agriculture
Tarpaulins are essential in all agricultural tasks. They support irrigation systems, cover silage, protect crops, control weeds, and safeguard equipment. The selection of materials affects trash production, water retention, soil health, and carbon emissions.
Traditional tarps, frequently composed of polyethylene or PVC, are durable but have significant disposal issues. The UN Environment Programme estimates that the use of plastic in agriculture results in more than 12.5 million tonnes of pollution annually. Switching to reusable or biodegradable substitutes is intended to lessen this effect.
Farmers often consider tarpaulins for:
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Cost-effective coverage of soil or feed storage
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Temporary protection of equipment or open areas
Yet, the environmental consequences of their use vary widely depending on material composition and end-of-life management.
What Are Biodegradable Tarps?
Plant-based polymers or biosynthetics, such as cellulose, starch blends, or polylactic acid (PLA), are used to make biodegradable tarps. When exposed to soil bacteria, oxygen, and moisture, these materials decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.
Because they may be tilled into the soil after harvest without being removed, they are particularly well-liked in no-till farming.
Benefits of biodegradable tarps:
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Fully compostable within 90 to 180 days under ideal conditions
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Reduce labor costs by eliminating removal and disposal
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Improve soil structure by adding organic content
However, their performance lifespan is often limited—usually around 3 to 6 months—and they may not withstand intense wind or UV exposure compared to synthetic alternatives.
In cases where farmers require temporary coverage, they often choose to buy quality tarpaulin made from biodegradable polymers. These options strike a balance between environmental responsibility and field performance
What Are Reusable Tarps?
Reusable tarps are made from high-durability synthetic fabrics such as canvas, PVC-coated polyester, or woven HDPE. They are made to last a long time; depending on exposure and care, they can last anywhere from three to ten years.
Unlike biodegradable varieties, these tarps must be physically gathered, cleaned, and stored after every usage. Their extended lifecycle, which drastically lowers manufacturing frequency and end-of-life waste, is the foundation of their sustainability.
Advantages of reusable tarps:
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Resistant to tearing, UV light, and weather fluctuations
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Ideal for permanent structures, greenhouses, or silage pits
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Offer long-term cost efficiency due to lower replacement rate
Yet, these tarps raise concerns around disposal. If not properly recycled or reused creatively, they eventually contribute to plastic waste loads in landfills.
Environmental Comparison: Degradation vs Durability
The key ecological question is: is it better to decompose quickly or last longer? The answer isn’t straightforward.
Biodegradable tarps excel in low-emission, short-term applications. Reusable tarps, though resource-intensive upfront, minimize repeated production emissions over time. A 2022 comparative lifecycle assessment by the Environmental Working Group revealed reusable HDPE tarps have 60% lower total emissions over five years if appropriately reused.
Application-Specific Suitability
Not all tarps are interchangeable. Use cases vary depending on seasonal needs, geography, and crop type. Here’s how to determine what works best in different agricultural settings.
Use biodegradable tarps for:
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Weed suppression in vegetable gardens
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Soil solarization during off-seasons
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Covering low-value or rotational crops
Use reusable tarps for:
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Livestock shelters and greenhouses
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Long-term feed storage or composting stations
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Year-round machine or material protection
Farmers operating in rainy climates might avoid biodegradable types due to premature breakdown, whereas arid climates benefit from their soil-boosting qualities.
“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.” — Margaret Mead
Cost Analysis Over Time
Biodegradable tarps are cheaper per unit but require frequent replacement. Reusable tarps demand a higher upfront investment, but their cost per use decreases with each season.
For example:
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A biodegradable mulch tarp costs €1.50/m² and lasts one season.
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A reusable woven tarp costs €5.00/m² but lasts 5–8 years.
Over 5 years, a farmer using reusable tarps may spend 40% less, factoring in replacement and labor savings. However, cost is only one part of the sustainability equation. Disposal fees, soil impact, and CO₂ offset should also factor into decision-making.
Soil Health and Microbial Impact
Biodegradable tarps support microbial activity. They increase microbial biomass by acting as carbon sources during their breakdown. Cornflour and sugarcane, which are already found in natural carbon cycles, are frequently the source of the polymers employed.
On the other hand, reusable tarps may leak chemicals if they break down and might obstruct soil oxygen if left in place for an extended period. Some of the plasticisers and UV inhibitors used in modern products might linger in the environment if not treated properly.
According to FAO research on soil health, biodegradable mulching contributes positively to soil organic carbon when compared to standard polyethylene films.
Recycling and End-of-Life Options
If ASTM D6400 or EN 13432 approve, biodegradable tarps can be composted in an industrial setting. But composting at home is not always enough. Farmers should make sure that the right conditions are available in their area.
Specialised recycling techniques are needed for reusable tarps. Both HDPE and PVC can be recycled, but processing may be impeded by contamination from fuel or dirt. These days, several tarp providers have return programmes in which damaged tarps are gathered, cleaned, and recycled into construction boards or new materials.
Another factor is creative reuse. Old agricultural tarps are recycled into roofing panels or school bags in some parts of Kenya.
Regional Policy and Standards
Governments are starting to control the use of plastic in agriculture. Agricultural products are subject to EU regulations on single-use plastics, and there are incentives to transition to sustainable inputs.
By 2030, France wants to use only biodegradable mulch film. Programmes run by the Cleanfarms initiative in Canada, meanwhile, are encouraging plastic recovery on farms.
Selecting between reusable and biodegradable materials is aided by knowledge of local waste treatment capabilities and regulatory compliance.
FAQs on Biodegradable vs. Reusable Tarps
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Are biodegradable tarps safe for edible crops?
Yes, if they’re certified compostable. Look for certifications like EN 13432 or ASTM D6400 for food-safe breakdown. -
How many times can a reusable tarp be used?
Depending on material and maintenance, reusable tarps can last 5 to 10 years, withstanding hundreds of deployments. -
Can biodegradable tarps be used in greenhouses?
Not recommended. They degrade too quickly under high humidity and UV light unless specifically engineered for that use. -
Which is more cost-effective long-term?
Reusable tarps are more cost-effective over multiple seasons, while biodegradable types offer value in one-time use scenarios. -
Do biodegradable tarps decompose in winter?
Decomposition slows in cold weather. They break down faster when temperatures and microbial activity are higher.
What’s Next in Sustainable Agricultural Covers?
Hybrid tarps, which combine partial biodegradation and reuse, are becoming more and more popular as farms transition to closed-loop systems. Some have natural fibre cores that are protected by synthetic shells, which prolongs their lifespan and lowers their environmental impact.
The field of material science is still developing. Novelties like films laced with nanoclay and coverings made of mycelium are being developed. These could bridge the gap between existing tarp technologies by providing durability with natural disintegration.
Selecting a sustainable tarp depends on your farm's ecosystem, usage habits, and environmental objectives rather than being an either-or decision. The future of environmentally aware farming depends on making wise decisions and using tarps responsibly, whether of whether you like one that nourishes the soil or one that endures through severe winters.
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