Shredded paper mulch for sustainable agriculture replacing plastic mulch
Eco-friendly shredded office paper mulch that increases soil water content, reduces irrigation needs, suppresses weeds, and safely recycles waste paper. Tested in broccoli production, it outperformed plastic mulch by retaining 36.3% soil moisture versus 23.8% under plastic, while requiring 1.5 times less irrigation water and lowering soil temperature by 1.8°C.
Overview
This solution offers a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic mulch by repurposing shredded waste office paper as an organic agricultural mulch. Plastic mulch is typically discarded after one growing season, leaving residual fragments in the soil and contributing to agricultural pollution. Paper mulch addresses this disposal challenge while delivering measurable agronomic benefits, including higher soil water content, reduced irrigation demand, suppressed weed growth, and safe recycling of office paper waste. The technology is particularly relevant for vegetable producers, landscapers, and agricultural operations seeking environmentally responsible practices.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Uses shredded office paper collected from universities and local institutions as raw material
- Increases soil water content to 36.3% compared to 23.8% under plastic mulch and 20.0% in untreated control plots
- Reduces irrigation water requirements by approximately 1.5 times relative to plastic mulch
- Lowers soil temperature by an average of 1.8°C during peak summer months
- Heavy metals screening of paper feedstock ensures no toxic materials are introduced to soil
- Compatible with drip irrigation systems
- Planned development of rolled paper mulch format for easier field application in collaboration with the paper industry
- Degrades naturally in soil, contributing cellulose and carbon to increase soil organic matter
Validation approach:
- Field plots measuring 3x1 m planted with broccoli under three treatments: plastic mulch, paper mulch, and no-mulch control
- Three replicate plots per treatment with permanent soil moisture and temperature sensors
- Broccoli production cycle tested from July through November 2019
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through small-scale field trials in broccoli production, demonstrating statistically meaningful improvements in soil moisture retention, irrigation efficiency, and temperature regulation compared to plastic mulch. Heavy metals analysis has been initiated to confirm soil safety. Future validation will scale up to larger vegetable production plots with expanded replication for statistical analysis, weed population counting, crop growth monitoring, and broader heavy metals screening. Collaboration with the local paper industry is planned to develop a rolled mulch format suitable for commercial deployment. The solution is currently at an early-to-mid stage of development, ready for expanded field testing and pilot-scale partnerships with growers and paper manufacturers.
About American University of Beirut
American University of Beirut is a comprehensive private research university in Beirut with an English-language curriculum and a global alumni base. Industry partners engage through an integrated academic medical center for clinical translation and trials, shared core facilities and prototyping spaces, and applied research conducted in urban and field settings across the region. Entrepreneurship programs connect faculty and students with mentors, venture support, and incubation, while executive education and sponsored research offer flexible collaboration models. Research is supported by international development agencies and foundations, competitive global programs, and industry contracts. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation to accelerate commercialization.
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