Beyond the Plastic: How Social Values Shape Mulch Decisions in Agriculture
Release Date: 12/18/2025
Beyond the Plastic: How Social Values Shape Mulch Decisions in Agriculture
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Beth Prosnitz, a postdoctoral research associate and sociologist at Washington State University, to explore the human side of plastic mulch decisions in agriculture. Rather than focusing only on materials or technology, this conversation dives into how economic realities, social values, land tenure, environmental responsibility, and farmer identity all intersect when growers decide whether to use polyethylene or biodegradable plastic mulch particularly in strawberry production systems. Beth introduces the concept of relational work,...
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Plastic Waste to Soil Wealth: A Microbial Makeover with Sam Baker
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we sit down with Sam Baker, CEO of Wriggle Brew, for a compelling conversation that bridges soil science, sustainability, and the future of plastic waste management. What began as a quest to develop organic fertilizers using earthworms evolved into a groundbreaking exploration of how larval microbes can digest plastic - offering a novel, biologically driven solution to one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. Sam shares the origin story of his work, from his background in chemistry and economics to the moment a fishing trip with his...
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Recycling Roots: Theron Smith’s Journey from Metal to Mulch in the Plasticulture Revolution
Mulch Matters
This podcast episode from Mulch Matters features an in-depth conversation with Theron Smith, co-owner of Flipping Iron—a California-based recycling company that has evolved from metal recovery to becoming a key player in agricultural plastic recycling. The episode traces Theron’s personal and professional journey, beginning with his grandfather’s metal recycling business and expanding into the complex world of plasticulture, including mulch film, fumigation film, and drip tape. Theron shares insights into the challenges of recycling agricultural plastics, the evolution of Flipping...
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From Wood Chips to Mulch: A Conversation on Lignocellulose Film with Aidan Williams
Mulch Matters
In this episode we’re diving into a type of mulch you may not have heard much about—lignocellulose film (LCF). Joining me is Aidan Williams, who has been researching this bio-based biodegradable mulch made from renewable woody biomass. Aidan shares her journey into agroecology, how LCF is produced, and why it could be a promising alternative to plastic and paper-based mulches. We also explore results from her greenhouse raspberry trials, insights on soil degradation experiments, and even consumer perspectives on biodegradable mulches. If you’re curious about sustainable...
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Beyond Plastic: Dr. Shuresh Ghimire on Extension Partnerships, IPM, Hemp, and Smarter Mulching Solutions
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we welcome Dr. Shuresh Ghimire, Associate Extension Educator and IPM Specialist at the University of Connecticut. From his roots on a small farm in Nepal to leading integrated pest management programs in the USA, Shuresh shares his journey, expertise, and insights into sustainable agriculture. The conversation dives into: Why integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for balancing environmental, economic, and social priorities. The real-world benefits and challenges of using biodegradable mulches (BDMs) vs. polyethylene...
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History and Future of Sustainable Plasticulture in CA with Jazmine Mejia-Muñoz
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we speak with Jazmine Mejia-Muñoz, Water Quality Program Manager at the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, about the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and plastic use in California’s iconic Monterey Bay region. Together, we explore the deep-rooted history of plasticulture, the evolving role of biodegradable mulches (BDMs), and what it takes to transition toward more sustainable practices in high-value cropping systems like strawberries. Jazmine shares real-world insights from grower collaborations, lessons from field trials, and...
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From Washington to China: Lessons in Strawberry Production and Sustainable Ag with Dr. Carol Miles
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Carol Miles from Washington State University, for a compelling conversation about her recent trip to China to attend the International Strawberry Symposium. Our discussion offers a fascinating window into the contrasts and connections between Chinese and U.S. agricultural practices, particularly around strawberry production and plastic mulch use. Carol reflects on the incredible technological leap she observed in Chinese greenhouses, where high-tech, hydroponic tabletop systems are now used in showcase facilities. But she also shares her...
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Engineering a Cleaner Future: Recycling Plasticulture with Andros Engineering
Mulch Matters
In this episode of Mulch Matters, we sit down with Ben Andros, President of Andros Engineering, to explore how innovative machinery and thoughtful design are transforming the way we manage plasticulture in agriculture. From recycling drip tape and mulch film to collaborating with researchers on sustainable solutions, Ben shares the journey of tackling one of ag's biggest waste challenges—with humor, heart, and high-tech tools. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at ag-tech innovation, real-world challenges in plastic recycling, and why teamwork across sectors is key to building a cleaner...
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Digging Deep: Microplastics, Soil Health, and Sustainable Agriculture with Nayab Gull
Mulch Matters
In this insightful episode of our podcast, we welcome Nayab Gull, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University, to discuss the complex and critical topic of microplastics in agricultural soils. From her unexpected journey into agriculture to her cutting-edge research on microplastics and soil health, Nayab shares both personal stories and professional insights. We explore how microplastics impact soil structure, water retention, microbial life, and even plant root development. Nayab also sheds light on the potential risks microplastics pose to food safety and human health, emphasizing the...
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Transforming Plastic Waste: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture with Kevin DeWhitt
Mulch Matters
In this episode we have an engaging conversation with Kevin DeWhitt, the founder of PDO Technology, about the pressing issue of plastic waste management in agriculture. As the world grapples with plastic pollution, innovative solutions are needed to tackle this environmental challenge. Kevin brings his expertise in pyrolysis, a cutting-edge process that breaks down plastic mulch waste and repurposes it into valuable resources. This process not only reduces landfill dependency but also supports a circular economy, promoting sustainability in agricultural practices. During our discussion,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Mulch Matters, we are joined by Dr. Beth Prosnitz, a postdoctoral research associate and sociologist at Washington State University, to explore the human side of plastic mulch decisions in agriculture.
Rather than focusing only on materials or technology, this conversation dives into how economic realities, social values, land tenure, environmental responsibility, and farmer identity all intersect when growers decide whether to use polyethylene or biodegradable plastic mulch particularly in strawberry production systems.
Beth introduces the concept of relational work, explaining how farmers balance price, labor, environmental stewardship, food safety, land leases, and peer expectations when making real-world decisions. The discussion also highlights why biodegradable mulch adoption is not always feasible, the role of waste management and recycling markets, and how skepticism around recycling affects grower trust.
This episode offers valuable insight for growers, researchers, policymakers, waste management professionals, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, showing that plastic mulch decisions are not just technical choices, but deeply relational ones shaped by people, policies, and long-term realities in the field.
This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/