About
About BioWRAP
The long-term vision of BioWRAP is to create localized advanced biopolymer feedstock production, manufacturing, and use systems which support socioeconomic resiliency, positive bioeconomic cycles, biotechnology adoption, sustainable crop production, and soil health in EPSCoR states.
The long-term goal is to create a locally-sourced, customizable, spray-on biopolymer-based films to serve as soil cover that can be synchronized to crop growth cycles under differing climatic conditions and applied using precision agricultural equipment. Decomposition processes will be used as a time-release delivery mechanism for nutrients, beneficial microbes, and agrochemicals. This spray-on biopolymer mulch would function as a physical barrier to weed growth, thereby limiting herbicide selection pressure on herbicide-resistant weed populations.
Furthermore, use of biodegradable polymers as opposed to fossil fuel polymers as mulch material will limit creation of microplastics and disposal issues. Our primary thrust areas are to engineer advanced biomaterials, strengthen agroecosystems with regard to nutrient management, weed control and water cycling, and assess broader socioeconomic and environmental impacts of this technology.
NSF Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaboration (RII Track-2 FEC) awards provide opportunities to build inter-jurisdictional collaborative teams of EPSCoR investigators in scientific interest areas consistent with NSF priorities. Projects must include researchers from at least two EPSCoR RII eligible jurisdictions. The collaborative research must demonstrate an integrated and comprehensive vision focused on discovery and include opportunities to build sustainable STEM capacity that embodies diversity.
For more information on NSF-EPSCoR: EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: Track-2 Focused EPSCoR Collaborations | NSF – National Science Foundation
BioWRAP Research
The main goal of this proposal is to develop spray-on biopolymer-based films that can be locally produced and used to support sustainable crop production within EPSCoR regions. These advanced biomaterials can be synchronized to crop growth cycles and address crop production water and weed management challenges, thereby reducing the use of herbicides, synthetic fertilizer, plastics and associated environmental impacts in agricultural production.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand there are many questions you may have in regards to BioWRAP. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions that we receive.
The long-term goal is to create a locally-sourced, customizable, spray-on biopolymer-based films to serve as soil cover that can be synchronized to crop growth cycles under differing climatic conditions and applied using precision agricultural equipment. The system would also support socioeconomic resiliency, positive bioeconomic cycles, biotechnology adoption, sustainable crop production, and soil health in EPSCoR states.
Transforming biopolymers into a local material will equitably distribute the costs and benefits of biotechnology adoption by crop producers and support rural workforce development. Creating a protective, but permeable spray-on biopolymer cover will provide physical weed suppression, enable crop producers to reduce herbicide use, protect soil ecosystem diversity, effectively manage field edges, help conserve natural resources, buffer waterways from agrochemical runoff, enhance land productivity, and increase crop production resiliency.
We hypothesize that adoption of BioWRAP technology will vary by region and producer characteristics, climate conditions, soil type, and underlying preferences will lead to differential adoption across regions and cropping systems. Our team plans to assess the potential market for BioWRAP using structured group discussions in locations where producers and purchasers/retailers to gain the most accurate assessment of the market potential of biodegradable biofilm technology.
Initial testing will include corn and soybeans. Application of the product may include autonomous spray platforms as well as field scale commercial sprayers.
