scope:

This document is applicable to biodegradable plastic materials used to produce mulch films or biodegradable mulch films ready to be used for mulch applications in agriculture and horticulture. Biodegradable mulch films are not designed to be recovered, but to be incorporated into soil at the end of the intended service life. This document specifies test methods and evaluation criteria by addressing the following characteristics: a) Control of constituents b) Biodegradation c) Negative effects on terrestrial organisms NOTE - This document is construed in a way that it can be used to assess other soil biodegradable plastic products that do not qualify as mulch films. For example: drip tape, twine, clips, and plant pots.