Agronomic and Economic Performance of Using Biodegradable Mulches: A Tomato Case Study in Chebika (Tunisia)

The increasing severity of water scarcity underscores the necessity of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance crop productivity and ensure environmental resilience in Tunisia. This study evaluates the agronomic and economic performance of biodegradable mulch as an alternative to traditional methods to traditional methods, through field experiments conducted in Chebika, Tunisia. Agronomic analysis, partial budgeting, and sensitivity analysis are employed to compare the effects of biodegradable mulch versus bare soil in this research. The results demonstrate that biodegradable mulch significantly improves crop growth, accelerates fruit maturation, and enhances yield. Furthermore, its rapid degradation rate (Grade 1 within 185 days) promotes soil health and contributes to environmental sustainability. Economic analysis reveals strong financial viability, showing a net profit increase of 2,847 TND/ha, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.7, and a 70% return on investment compared to no mulching. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that biodegradable mulch remains profitable, even with a 75% increase in its costs. To facilitate large-scale adoption, this study recommends financial incentives and capacity-building initiatives to support farmer adoption of this sustainable practice.