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Microplastics in agricultural soils, their sources, environmental impacts, ecological risks, and mitigation strategies
Summary
Tiny plastic bits are building up in farm soil from sources like plastic mulch, sewage-based fertilizers, and irrigation water, and this review of existing research shows they can mess with soil's ability to hold water and nutrients while also acting as hitchhikers for heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful germs. Since this soil grows our food, contaminated farmland could mean these pollutants—and the microplastics themselves—end up on our plates. The good news: solutions like biodegradable farm materials, natural soil additives, and better monitoring could help curb the problem if adopted widely.
Microplastic contamination in agricultural soils is a rising problem that risks soil health, crop production, and the general balance of nature. These tiny fragments alter soil structural composition and nutrient cycles while also inhibiting microbial processes, which are, without a doubt, the most vital for soil fertility. The research provides data on the origins and the behaviour of microplastics (MPs) in agroecosystems and tracks their movement through biosolids, plastic mulches, and irrigation. Their binding to soil elements changes porosity, aggregation, water retention, and nutrient availability; at the same time, it also increases the risk of transport of heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. The solutions on the table include organic amendments, biodegradable products, phytoremediation, and integrated nutrient management to address contaminant–nutrient relationships. Strengthening soil monitoring systems and advancing circular bioeconomy strategies are the major steps toward alleviating plastic pollution in rural areas. A unified strategy that integrates scientific research, policy measures, and sustainable farming practices is crucial for reducing microplastic pollution, enhancing soil resilience, and promoting the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.