Optical characterization of polymeric films by a new methodological approach

A simple method for evaluating polymeric films to be employed in the agricu ltural field is proposed. The method consists of optical characterization ( spectral analysis) and numerical elaboration of the experimental data on th e basis of a theoretical model, in order to predict the optical behavior of organic materials, which determines the temperature variations inside a ph ysical system. Results for new biodegradable materials for mulching and soi l solarization are presented and compared with the traditional materials. O ur work demonstrates the validity of the proposed methodological approach a nd confirms the potential of the considered materials for use in agricultur e.