Comparison of decomposition of biodegradable mulching films under variable soil microbial conditions

These findings demonstrate that soil pH modulation and microbial activity jointly determine BDM degradation. While <i>C. perfringens</i> enhanced film loss through acidification, its agricultural use may pose risks including excessive soil acidification and pathogenicity. <i>B. subtilis</i> provided safer but slower biodegradation. Among the tested films, monolayer BDM3 was most susceptible to breakdown, making it a promising candidate for field application. Careful management of microbial inoculants and soil pH will be essential to maximize BDM performance and environmental safety.