Manufacturing process and hydrological characteristics of ecological mulching mats made from green waste

ObjectiveThe ecological mulching mats made from green waste were used to cover the bare soil in urban green space, so as to improve the water use efficiency of landscaping, reduce soil erosion and explore a new approach to the reuse of green waste.

MethodEcological mulching mats manufactured by mold suppressing were made by two particle sizes' green waste (small particle size 0-1 cm and big particle size 1-3 cm) and five proportions of water-based polyurethane adhesive (mass ratio 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%), then the basic properties, water retention effect, water permeability and water holding capacity of ecological mulching mats were studied and used to choose the best proportion of adhesive.

ResultThe results showed that with the increasing of adhesive proportion, the density deviation and thickness swelling rate increased gradually, but when the adhesive proportion reached 40%, the thickness swelling rate decreased. And with the increasing of adhesive proportion, the water retention effect of ecological mulching mats was gradually enhanced, and the water retention effect of ecological mulching mats made from small particle size's green waste was better than those made from big particle size's green waste. The water permeability of ecological mulching mats made from small particle size's green waste was better when the adhesive proportion was less than 30%, and the adhesive proportion had no effect on the water permeability of ecological mulching mats made from big particle size's green waste. Water holding capacity of different ecological mulching mats changed logarithmically with soaking time, and the water absorption rate followed a power function, the water holding capacity of the ecological mulching mats made from small particle size's and large particle size's green waste was the strongest when the adhesive proportion was 30% and 35%, respectively.

ConclusionIn all, 30% adhesive proportion was the best to manufacture ecological mulching mats which made from small particle size's green waste, and 35% was the best for another. The ecological mulching mats made from small particle size's and large particle size's green waste were more suitable to cover bare soil in arid regions and humid regions, respectively.