Soil-biodegradable mulching films improve yield, water productivity, and profitability in organic processing tomato

Italy’s leading role in the European production of processing tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) and the EU’s willingness to push towards organic farming systems (OFS) necessitate more sustainable and resource-efficient approaches. The aim of this study was to increase processing tomato yield in OFS comparing two soil-biodegradable mulching films (BMFs). The present work provided the first comprehensive evaluation of how BMF affects processing tomato growth, yield, fruit quality, and profit in OFS. A complete randomized block design was applied in a mechanized farm in Northern Italy over two years (2021-22) on ‘H1281’ processing tomato hybrid. Soil-biodegradable mulching films did not interfere with the mechanized harvesting, and fragments of the film were not present in soil after two years (2023-24). The two tested BMFs (ecovio® and Mater-Bi®) generally had comparable effects. Compared to bare soil, BMF overall increased total yield by 15-31%, reaching a satisfactory marketable yield (around 75 Mg ha −1 ). Additionally, BMF reduced irrigation by ~8% and raised water productivity by up to 36%, in the meanwhile improving marketable yield (up to +30%) and net returns (up to +40%). Soil-biodegradable mulching films overcame the low yield that would typically be observed in OFS by fostering enhanced plant growth and reduced the costs for manual weeding. In this way, OFS could meet EU sustainability targets, although further comprehensive research is needed in other areas and on different tomato cultivars over a longer period of time. • Soil-biodegradable mulching films (BMF) improved marketable yield in organic processing tomato (OFS) • BMF allowed for mechanical harvesting and degraded into soil • BMF reduced weeding costs in OFS and increased profits • BMF enhanced plant growth and boosted soluble solids content in fruits