Biodegradable mulch: Ortomec and Cultiva stand on the podium of the Innovation Contest 2021

During the 2021 Innovation Contest – the competition aimed at recognizing the most efficient and ecological innovations in the fruit and vegetable sector – the Cultiva “Carta” project was awarded. What is the objective of the program? Being able to solve the problem of weeds using a biodegradable mulch solution .

No crop loss and zero use of polluting chemicals: these are the two main benefits deriving from the use of biodegradable mulching techniques.

Together with Cultiva, Ortomec won the first prize in the field category . A result that confirms the refined technology that distinguishes Ortomec machines dedicated to the sowing and harvesting of leafy vegetables. Continue reading this article to find out more!

The “Carta” project: thus eliminating the use of pesticides in the mulching process

Promote circular sustainability : a commitment that many companies in the agricultural sector have already decided to support for several years. But what does circular sustainability mean? It means making sure that agriculture is able to self-generate by itself: waste becomes resources, human intervention is reduced and the environment gives thanks.

The “Carta” project was created with the aim of responding effectively to a problem that has long haunted companies in the agricultural sector: weeds that grow luxuriantly , especially in the warmer seasons and among organic crops. It is from this need that Ortomec has patented a machine capable of automating the mulching phase , using a 100% ecological process.

According to the “Carta” project, the sowing phase involves the use of two layers of paper . The first is spread on the ground ready to host the seed: this layer stops the growth of weeds underneath it and, at the same time, allows the water necessary for irrigation to pass through it.

The second layer, on the other hand, delicately covers the seed so as to recreate a humid environment useful for its germination. Since the latter is a decidedly less robust layer of paper than the former, it is easily pierced by the grown shoot. Once the plant develops, the paper made from vegetable waste will be destroyed naturally: this is how the biodegradable mulching process comes to an end.

Increasing the value of the fruit and vegetable supply chain: the decisive commitment of the Ortomec team

The solution designed and developed by Ortomec in collaboration with Cultiva represents the emblem of innovation in the field of agriculture . In fact, biodegradable mulching techniques bring with them numerous advantages for the end user.

First of all, the technology that distinguishes the solution will allow your company to pursue a business model with circular sustainability . Forget using chemicals for your cultures in favor of environmentally friendly and healthier products instead.

Furthermore, this biodegradable mulching solution will guarantee you the automation of a process – that of mulching in fact – up to now carried out by hand. In this way you will greatly streamline work times and minimize the business costs necessary for labor. Not surprisingly, especially for low-density crops – for example tufts of leafy vegetables – it is usual to resort to manual weed removal, greatly increasing the cost to be incurred for their elimination.

Your crops will benefit from this solution , not just the environment. Indeed, in the absence of insidious weeds it is possible to eliminate the risk of soil pathogenic diseases. The machine designed by the Ortomec team will allow you to apply the biodegradable mulching solution even on large surfaces.

Curious to find out more detailed information on Ortomec solutions ? Here are some ideas:

• Radicchio harvest: make it quick and easy with our machinery
• Rocket sowing machine: all the advantages of the Ortomec seeder
• Aromatic Herbs Collection: discover all the advantages of using our machines

Conclusion

The “Carta” project – which saw the close collaboration of Cultiva and Ortomec – won the first prize in the field category of the Innovation Contest 2021 . A recognition that wanted to reward the originality , as well as the quality , of a solution for a truly innovative biodegradable mulch .

Two layers of paper that wrap the seed waiting for the next germination and growth : it is an ecological solution , able to optimize the costs that farms incur for the elimination of weeds from low-density crops.

Would you like to know our machines for harvesting and sowing vegetables ? You can contact us here: the Ortomec team can’t wait to answer all your curiosities!