Biobased hydrophobic liquid mulch film from soybean oil and starch for enhanced terraced field cultivation.

Terraced agriculture faces soil loss during rainstorms leading to natural disasters and crop growth impediments. This study describes a novel biobased hydrophobic liquid mulch film comprised of waste soybean oil, starch, and acrylate monomers that can be used to enhance terraced field cultivation. The novel film, optimized at a 3:7 soybean oil to acrylate monomers ratio, exhibited superior spray ability, reduced wicking, and excellent film formation, which are crucial for its effectiveness as a water erosion barrier.