Evaluation of a Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane (SBPM) Technology for soil water conservation in tomato and watermelon production systems

•Field scale experiments on Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane (SBPM) Technology.•SBPM application rate of 1 and 3 kg m−2 showed significant soil water conservation.•Soil temperature increase was significant in 3 kg m−2 and under 55 cm width SBPM.•SBPM outperformed plastic mulch film (PMF) treatment in the absence of crop.•Results proved effectiveness of SBPM technology under field conditions.