We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Optimizing microplastic pollution in a terrestrial environment: a case for soil-biodegradable mulches
Summary
This paper develops an economic model to analyze when and why farmers would choose to adopt biodegradable plastic mulches over conventional polyethylene mulches, given that biodegradable options reduce long-term soil plastic accumulation but cost more upfront. The model finds that policies like higher landfill disposal fees and corrective taxes can tip the economic balance toward adoption of biodegradable alternatives. The study is notable as the first dynamic economic framework for addressing agricultural microplastic pollution, offering policymakers concrete tools to reduce plastic contamination of farmland soils.
Abstract Microplastic pollution from plastic fragments accumulating in agricultural fields threatens the world’s most productive soils and environmental sustainability. This is the first paper to address the challenge of developing a dynamic economic model to analyze the adoption of soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) as a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene mulches. The model considers the trade-off between BDM degradation rates and agricultural production, seeking to balance the cost of BDMs and the cost of waste disposal. We consider both private and social perspectives under deterministic and stochastic environments. Our findings suggest that BDMs can significantly decrease long-term plastic pollution from single-use plastics in agriculture. For example, increasing landfill tipping fees incentivizes Washington State tomato growers to optimally adopt BDMs with a 61% degradation rate and to till used BDMs into the soil, reducing plastic waste accumulation in landfills. The study highlights the role of economic incentives, such as landfill fees, corrective taxes and the role of risk aversion, in promoting BDM adoption and curbing plastic pollution. The framework presented here offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to foster sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate global plastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Is mulch film itself the primary source of meso- and microplastics in the mulching cultivated soil? A preliminary field study with econometric methods
A field study examined whether mulch films were the primary source of meso- and microplastics in mulched agricultural soils using econometric methods to compare plastic-mulched and non-mulched fields, finding that while mulch contributed to soil plastic loads, it was not the sole source. The study challenges the assumption that plastic mulch is always the dominant microplastic source in farmed soils.
Plastic mulching in agriculture. Trading short-term agronomic benefits for long-term soil degradation?
This study examined plastic mulch use in agriculture, arguing that short-term crop benefits come with long-term costs as mulch fragments accumulate in soil as microplastics and disrupt soil structure, biology, and water dynamics.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
This systematic review evaluates biodegradable mulch as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in farming, which is a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. Switching to biodegradable options could help reduce the buildup of microplastics in the soil where food crops are grown.
Impact of Management Strategies on Reducing of Mulching Film Residues Pollution in Arid Regions
Researchers examined the impact of different management strategies — including increased polyethylene film recycling rates and adoption of biodegradable mulch films — on reducing mulching film residue pollution in arid agricultural regions. The study found that combining recycling incentives with biodegradable film adoption significantly reduced soil plastic accumulation, supporting sustainable agricultural development in water-limited dryland farming systems.
Willingness to Pay for Attributes of Biodegradable Plastic Mulches in the Agricultural Sector
Researchers used discrete choice experiments with agricultural stakeholders in the Pacific Northwest to assess willingness to pay for attributes of biodegradable plastic mulches as alternatives to polyethylene mulches. Results showed that price premium opportunities for crops grown, soil health improvements, and reduced field residue were the most valued attributes, with heterogeneity in preferences between farmers and non-farmers.