Enhancing Sugarcane Yield and Weed Control Sustainability with Degradable Film Mulching

A two-year field study evaluated biodegradable plastic film (BPF; thicknesses: 0.006, 0.008, and 0.010 mm) versus polyethylene film (PE; 0.010 mm) and no-mulch control on sugarcane yield and weed suppression. Key results demonstrated that 0.010 mm BPF significantly enhanced sugarcane emergence (CV = 5.07% in ratoon), reduced weed biomass by 70%, and increased perennial yield by 3.83% (+5.6 t ha^-1), while PE film decreased yield by 3.80%. Regression analysis identified the effective stem number, plant height, and stem diameter as primary yield predictors (R² = 0.996). Logistic models revealed that film mulching duration >119 days was critical for achieving high yields (>122.2 t ha^-1) and sustained weed control (R² = 0.81). These findings establish 0.010 mm BPF as an optimal sustainable alternative to PE film for enhancing sugarcane productivity.