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Microplastic-induced agricultural soil carbon dynamics: A global meta-analysis of property-dependent effects and underlying mechanisms
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Tiny plastic bits in farm soil are messing with how soil stores carbon and releases CO2, changing soil chemistry in ways that could affect crop growth and soil health long-term. This matters because the food we eat grows in this soil, and disrupted soil health can ripple into food quality and our broader environment, even though direct human health impacts still need more research.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in agricultural soils alters global carbon cycling, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Through a global meta-analysis of 1230 observations from 89 studies, we show that MPs exposure increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 27.1%, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 16.3%, CO emission by 39.1%, and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) by 19.1%, while reducing soil pH and nitrate nitrogen. Biodegradable MPs exert stronger impacts on total carbon, CO emission, and MBC than conventional MPs, partly reflecting short-term incubation conditions. Lower MPs concentrations show positive linear effects on SOC, DOC, and MBC, whereas high concentrations shift the CO turning point. Particles > 100 μm enhance MBC, whereas smaller fractions show mixed effects. Fiber-shaped MPs promote SOC and CO via three-dimensional networks. Organic amendments produce type- and time-dependent effects on carbon indicators. Model averaging identifies MPs concentration and background SOC as dominant predictors. Structural equation modeling reveals conventional MPs favor physical pathways while biodegradable MPs favor biological pathways (reducing Gram-negative bacteria and enhancing network connectivity). Temporal responses peak at 30-60 days, with maximal responses in weakly acidic soils and high-clay soils. Our findings provide a preliminary mechanistic framework and morphology-specific insights for risk assessment in agricultural systems.
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Exploring the influence of microplastics on soil biogeochemical traits using an artificial soil approach
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Scientists tested how tiny plastic bits (from things like plastic mulch used in farming) affect soil health, finding that these microplastics reduce soil moisture and slow down microbial activity, key processes that keep soil fertile and functioning. This matters because farm soil quality directly impacts food production, and the effects varied based on plastic shape and soil type, suggesting the growing use of plastic in agriculture could have complex, hard-to-predict consequences for the land that grows our food.
Global concentrations of microplastic in soils, a review
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Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are showing up in soils around the world, and this study rounds up existing research to see how much is out there, especially in farmland. This matters because soil is where our food grows, so understanding microplastic buildup there is an important step toward figuring out if it could end up in our meals and affect our health. Note that this paper mainly organizes what scientists already know rather than presenting brand-new findings.
Microplastics shift soil carbon allocation toward mineral-associated fractions while increasing CO₂ emissions: a dual-level meta-analysis
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Researchers compiled primary and secondary effect-size datasets for a multi-level meta-analysis examining how microplastics shift soil carbon partitioning toward mineral-associated organic carbon fractions while simultaneously elevating CO2 emissions, providing a quantitative synthesis of microplastic impacts on terrestrial carbon cycling.
Soil health responses to microplastic contamination in agroecosystems: A comprehensive review
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This review pulls together existing research showing that farm soils actually contain far more microplastics than oceans do, and these tiny plastic bits harm soil quality by disrupting helpful bacteria, hurting earthworms, and reducing nutrients crops need. Microplastics can also carry toxic chemicals and metals into the food we eat, making this a hidden risk to both food supply and human health that needs more attention.
Effects of microplastic pollution on agricultural soil and crops based on a global meta‐analysis
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This meta-analysis examined data from studies worldwide to assess how microplastic pollution affects agricultural soil and crops. Researchers found that microplastics can alter soil properties including enzyme activity and nutrient availability, with effects varying by plastic type, concentration, and size. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in farmland may affect both soil health and crop growth in ways that depend heavily on local conditions.
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