Research

The RIT group works on four areas.

• The first is biological enhanced degradation trigger mechanisms led by Prof. Lodge; the group looks to isolate, study, and enhance the microbial activity that is responsible for the degradation of plastics.
• The second area is the influence of surface plasma trigger led by Prof. Lewis; here the group investigates surface plasma modification of these films will affect the onset of degradation and degradation mechanics.
• The third research focus is the sustainable biochar production in a farm context, including the addition of conventional mulch films in the production, led by Prof. Trabold.
• The last area of focus is the manufacture of a multi-layer film, its design to enhance degradability and understanding its interaction with biochar led by Prof. Diaz.

One important aspect of this group and project is its stakeholder involvement. During the different stages of this Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) sponsored project, industry manufacturers and farmers are and will continue to be included thanks to the help of the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Updates
09/10: The results of the 2023 field trials are collected, yesterday the last watermelons were picked from the field. The webinar was a success as we showed a broad picture of the advances of our thematic, however we will have to wait for the recording to be available as we need to finish the submission of our IP.