Develop BioMulch to Replace Plastic Soil Covering in Vegetable and Fruit Production to Increase Yield and Reduce Waste

$310,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to develop and test the performance of biodegradable biomulch to increase yield, conserve water, suppress weeds and pests, add nutrients to the soil, and replace large amounts of nonrecyclable and nondegradable plastic used in vegetable and fruit production. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2021, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.