We are here to update you on the latest research about BDM and recycling options PE mulch as well as help you to answer any questions you might have. In each episode, we'll dive into the latest research, trends, news, and insights on why mulch matters and how we can improve plastic mulch end-of-life options. We'll also branch out and discuss other plastics as well as talk to researchers, experts, and practitioners in the field who will share their insights and experiences on how to use mulch effectively in different settings.
Willingness to Pay: Kevin Morris on Consumer Demand for Sustainable Strawberries
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk talks with Kevin Morris, a PhD student in the School of Economic Sciences at Washington State University, whose research focuses on consumer willingness to pay for sustainably produced strawberries. Kevin shares how he became involved in the project, why willingness‑to‑pay studies matter for growers, and how economic tools can help estimate demand for products that don't yet exist on the market.
Together, they explore why strawberry production is uniquely positioned for sustainable innovation, the challenges of recycling contaminated agricultural mulch films, and how consumer preferences can influence grower decisions. Kevin breaks down the double‑bounded bidding method used in his study, explains what it means when more than 60% of respondents accept both bids, and discusses how credible eco‑labeling could help translate consumer interest into real industry change.
He also reflects on the broader implications for policymakers and growers—highlighting how financial incentives, clear communication, and reliable labeling could accelerate adoption of biodegradable mulches and advanced recycling technologies. This episode offers an accessible and insightful look at how economics can help drive sustainability in specialty crop production.
Note:
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.
Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
28 Aug 2026
Inside the Mulch Film Challenge: A Deep Dive with Waste Expert Gene Jones
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Gene Jones, Executive Director of the Southern Waste Information Exchange, to unpack more than four decades of experience in waste management and agricultural plastics. Gene shares how he became involved in mulch film recycling, the challenges posed by soil‑contaminated polyethylene films, and why mechanization in mulch removal remains slow to adopt across farming systems.
Together, they explore the environmental implications of open‑field burning, the surprising levels of soil and moisture contamination found in mulch film, and the engineering innovations—from mechanical extractors to shredding technologies—that could reshape how agricultural plastics are handled. Gene also discusses realistic end‑market opportunities for recycled mulch film, including pyrolysis, cement kiln fuel, and asphalt modification, and offers his perspective on policy changes that could accelerate progress in the United States.
This episode provides a candid, technical, and forward‑looking conversation about the future of mulch film recycling—and why solving this challenge matters for growers, industry, and the environment.
Note:
Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
27 Jul 2026
Turning recovered plastic mulch into opportunities for asphalt
In this episode of Mulch Matters, host Dr. Nataliya Shcherbatyuk sits down with Dr. Karl Englund (Washington State University) and Dr. Kun Zhang (California State University, Chico) to explore one of the most challenging—and promising—topics in agricultural sustainability: recycling plastic mulch.
Karl and Kun share how their backgrounds in recycled plastics, composites, and asphalt engineering led them into this interdisciplinary project. Together, they unpack the realities of contamination, soil adhesion, fumigant residues, and the complex logistics of collecting agricultural plastics. As Karl notes, "the contamination of the soil is probably the biggie" and Kun highlights that "plastic mulch recycling in asphalt is a technically sound solution."
Listeners will learn:
Why agricultural plastics are harder to recycle than post‑consumer plastics
How asphalt pavement can serve as a value‑added recycling pathway
How soil type, contamination levels, and rheology affect recyclability
What future technologies may reshape plastic mulch end‑of‑life management
This episode offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the science, engineering, and collaboration driving new solutions for agricultural plastic waste.
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.
Intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
55
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
Contact Mulch Matters
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Mulch Matters?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
