Microplastic pollution in agricultural soils: Microbial interactions, food-chain risks, and management strategies with special reference to high-altitude agroecosystems

Pollution of agricultural soils by microplastics (MPs) is an escalating global concern, yet high-altitude agroecosystems remain largely understudied despite their ecological sensitivity and dependence on mountain farming systems. This review synthesizes current evidence on microplastic sources, behavior, and environmental impacts in low-temperature soils, emphasizing how unique physicochemical conditions and cold-adapted microbiomes shape MPs deposition, mobility, degradation, and biotic interactions. MPs consistently alter soil microbial diversity, enzymatic activity, and nutrient cycling processes, with well-documented plant uptake studies, raising concerns. MPs also act as carriers of chemical pollutants and microbial agents, potentially elevating ecological risks. Although microbial and insect-associated biodegradation pathways have been documented, their efficiency and environmental relevance in cold-hilly agricultural soils remain poorly understood. By identifying key knowledge gaps, including limited field data, poor understanding of MPs-climate interactions, and the absence of MPs monitoring frameworks, this review highlights the need for biologically led remediation strategies, sustainable alternatives to agroplastics, and adaptive policies to strengthen the resilience of high-altitude agricultural systems.