Sustainability at the heart of berries: a Driscoll's perspective
Mulch Matters
In this episode of the Mulch Matters Podcast, we dive into the world of sustainable agriculture with James duBois, Senior Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Driscoll’s. With over 15 years of experience in water stewardship and environmental risk management, James shares invaluable insights on reducing field plastics and improving sustainability practices in berry production. Learn about Driscoll’s journey as a fifth-generation family-owned company, their commitment to environmental stewardship, and the innovative approaches they’re taking to minimize the impact of field...
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Exploring the California Strawberry Industry with Hillary Thomas
Mulch Matters
Today, we're thrilled to have Hillary Thomas, the Research and Technical Director at Naturipe Berry Growers, join us. Hillary shares her incredible journey from academia to the heart of the berry industry, providing insights into the challenges and innovations in California's strawberry production. In this episode, Hillary discusses her role at Naturipe, the complexities of strawberry farming, and the evolution of sustainable practices in the industry. She sheds light on the impact of regulatory changes, the importance of plastic mulch, and the promising future of biodegradable alternatives....
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Exploring hydromulch with Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa: benefits and applications in organic farming
Mulch Matters
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dilpreet Bajwa, Professor and Head of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at Montana State University. Dr. Bajwa shares his fascinating journey from growing up on a farm to leading innovative research in biomaterials and bioproducts, particularly hydromulch. He explains hydromulch, its benefits, and its applications in sustainable and organic agriculture. Learn how hydromulch can help suppress weeds, reduce evaporation, maintain soil temperature, and improve soil fertility—all while being environmentally friendly. Dr. Bajwa also...
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From weeds to wisdom: exploring hydromulch with Greta Gramig
Mulch Matters
In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Greta Gramig, an expert in plant science and sustainable agriculture from North Dakota State University. Greta shares her insights on biodegradable mulches and their transformative potential in organic farming. Drawing from her academic background and hands-on gardening experiences, she discusses the challenges and innovations in mulching techniques that aim to revolutionize environmental management in agriculture. Tune in to explore how Greta's work with biodegradable materials, particularly hydromulches, could lead to significant advancements in...
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From source to solution: Michael Vincent on turning plastic waste into products.
Mulch Matters
In this episode we're excited to have Michael Vincent, the CEO and President of OPT USA, a subsidiary of Ocean Plastic Technologies. With a deep passion for both the environment and innovative solutions, Michael will share his insights into groundbreaking approaches for recycling plastics within the agricultural sector. His experience spans from preventing ocean plastic pollution to implementing on-site recycling systems that convert agricultural waste into valuable resources directly at the source. Join us as we delve into how these technologies not only aid in cleaning and preserving our...
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Sustainable solutions with compostable mulch films: a conversation with Dan Martens, VP of Novamont North America
Mulch Matters
In this podcast episode, you will hear from Dan Martens, the Vice President of Novamont North America, discussing sustainable solutions for farming, particularly focusing on compostable mulch films. Dan shares his journey into the industry and explains Novamont's mission to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. He highlights the differences between compostable and traditional plastic mulch films, emphasizing the benefits of compostable mulches for soil health and fertility. Dan also discusses various crops where compostable mulches are particularly effective,...
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Maximizing crop performance with biobased mulch: insights from Sam Wortman
Mulch Matters
Join us for an enlightening conversation on the forefront of sustainable agriculture as we delve into the world of biobased mulch with expert Sam Wortman. In this episode, we uncover the transformative potential of biobased mulch in maximizing crop performance. From reducing weeds to conserving water, Sam shares invaluable insights into the diverse applications of biobased mulch in various crops, ranging from strawberries to lettuce, spinach, and more. Discover the journey behind Sam's pioneering research, his innovative solutions for weed suppression, and the fascinating implications for soil...
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Down to the ground mulch talk with Dr. Deirdre Griffin LaHue
Mulch Matters
Join us for an enlightening episode as Nataliya hosts Dr. Deirdre Griffin LaHue, an assistant professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Washington State University. Deirdre's research centers on the impact of agricultural practices, such as cropping, tillage, rotation, and mulching, on soil health and the vital soil organisms that drive various soil functions. In this conversation, Deirdre provides insights into her unique journey from a previous career as a ballet dancer to becoming a soil scientist. She discusses the role of mulch in agriculture and explores the challenges and...
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Sustainable Horticulture: Exploring Biodegradable Mulch with Dr. Carol Miles
Mulch Matters
In this podcast episode, Dr. Carol Miles, a seasoned vegetable extension specialist at Washington State University, shares her wealth of knowledge and insights on the world of sustainable horticulture, particularly focusing on biodegradable mulch. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Dr. Miles discusses her journey into horticulture and the significance of vegetable crops in human nutrition, highlighting their often-overlooked role in agriculture. She delves into the distinctions between bio-based and biodegradable mulches, dispelling common myths and emphasizing the critical...
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Project Origins: Exploring Plastic Mulching's Evolution with Directors Lisa DeVetter and Markus Flury
Mulch Matters
In today's podcast episode, we are joined by two special guests, Lisa DeVetter, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Washington State University, and Markus Flury, Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at WSU. As key leaders of a national project titled "Improving End-of-Life Management of Plastic Mulches in Strawberry Systems", they share their insights and goals for the project. Lisa discusses her interest in soil biodegradable mulches and the sustainability concerns surrounding plastic mulches, emphasizing the need for data-driven solutions to optimize...
info_outlineDive into the world of agriculture and mulch with our Mulch Matters podcast. Discover the benefits of mulching, from moisture retention to temperature control and weed suppression. Learn about the role of organic materials in improving soil health and how plastic mulch impacts the environment. Join the conversation on sustainable agriculture and plastic waste reduction. Whether you're a researcher, farmer, or simply curious about agriculture, this podcast is for you. Explore the fascinating world of mulch and its impact on our planet.