The article reviews the use of plastic mulches in agriculture, particularly focusing on biodegradable mulches. It highlights the benefits of plastic mulches, such as increased soil temperature, reduced weed pressure, moisture conservation, and improved crop yields. However, the disposal of used plastic films, which can cause pollution, has led to the development of photodegradable and biodegradable mulches. The review covers the history of plastic mulch, its impact on crop yield and pest management, limitations of polyethylene mulches, and the potential alternatives. It also discusses the field performance of biodegradable mulches and their use in organic production. Key points include the environmental and economic constraints of conventional polyethylene mulches, the early adoption of photodegradable mulches, the degradation process of biodegradable mulches, and the challenges in using biodegradable materials in organic production. The article emphasizes the need for more research on the effects of biodegradable mulches on crop growth, microclimate, soil biota, and yields.The article reviews the use of plastic mulches in agriculture, particularly focusing on biodegradable mulches. It highlights the benefits of plastic mulches, such as increased soil temperature, reduced weed pressure, moisture conservation, and improved crop yields. However, the disposal of used plastic films, which can cause pollution, has led to the development of photodegradable and biodegradable mulches. The review covers the history of plastic mulch, its impact on crop yield and pest management, limitations of polyethylene mulches, and the potential alternatives. It also discusses the field performance of biodegradable mulches and their use in organic production. Key points include the environmental and economic constraints of conventional polyethylene mulches, the early adoption of photodegradable mulches, the degradation process of biodegradable mulches, and the challenges in using biodegradable materials in organic production. The article emphasizes the need for more research on the effects of biodegradable mulches on crop growth, microclimate, soil biota, and yields.