We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Substitute for polyethylene (PE) films: A novel attapulgite super absorbent polymer applied in a semi-humid drought-prone region of the Loess Plateau
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested a mineral-based super absorbent polymer called attapulgite as a plastic-free alternative to the polyethylene film mulches commonly used in Chinese dryland farming, finding it improved soil moisture, microbial activity, and maize crop yields while eliminating the microplastic pollution that builds up from traditional plastic film use.
Residual film and microplastics are widely used to prevent soil water loss in arid farming areas of the Loess Plateau, China; however, pollution and farm land quality decline plaque this management strategy. To address this, a field experiment was conducted at the dry farming demonstration site in Huating City, Gansu Province to test a novel amendment of attapulgite super absorbent polymer (A-SAP). We tested different A-SAP dosages: 30 (KL), 45 (KM), and 60 kg ha −1 (KH); different coverage methods: transparent plastic film half mulching (WH), transparent plastic film full mulching (WW), black plastic film half mulching (BH), black plastic film full mulching (BW), and straw mulching (SM), with no film and no application of A-SAP as a control (CK). We built a comprehensive growth evaluation system for spring maize, select the best soil moisture conservation strategy, and provide a theoretical basis for sustainable maize production in the semi-arid area of the Loess Plateau. The results showed that all moisture conserving treatments improved soil quality compared with CK, the application of A-SAP was more conducive to rainwater infiltration during precipitation events, increased the number of soil microorganisms and soil enzyme activity, however, there was no effect of increasing soil temperature. Soil moisture retention strategies increased spring maize plant height, stem diameter, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation, and regulated yield components, promoting spring maize yield formation, improve water productivity and economic benefits. Taking into account indicators such as soil hydrothermal, soil microbial quantity, soil enzyme activity, spring maize growth, yield, water productivity and economic benefit, the application of 45 kg ha −1 attapulgite super absorbent polymer had the best overall effect. Therefore, the application of 45 kg ha −1 of A-SAP can reduce pollution from residual films and microplastics and realize environmental protection while guaranteeing stable yields of spring maize in the semi-humid drought-prone region of the China’s Loess Plateau. • Attapulgite super absorbent polymer can improve water retention of soil, has low costs and zero pollution. • The application of attapulgite super absorbent polymer was more conducive to rainwater infiltration. • Attapulgite super absorbent polymer can replace traditional film for planting spring maize in the Loess Plateau.
More Papers Like This
Effects of Different Mulch Types on Farmland Soil Moisture in an Artificial Oasis Area
AI summary Read the abstract
Not relevant to microplastics — this study compares how different mulch materials (including conventional polyethylene plastic films) affect soil moisture retention in an arid farming region of China, focusing on water management rather than plastic fragmentation or microplastic contamination.
The effects of biodegradable mulch film on the growth, yield, and water use efficiency of cotton and maize in an arid region
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compared biodegradable and conventional plastic mulch films in Chinese agriculture, finding that biodegradable films improved water use efficiency and crop yield comparably to conventional plastic while reducing long-term plastic accumulation in soil. Degradable mulch films represent a promising strategy to reduce agricultural microplastic pollution.
Biodegradable film: a sustainable alternative to polyethylene film for Loess Plateau maize production
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested biodegradable plastic films instead of regular plastic films to cover soil when growing corn in China. The biodegradable films worked almost as well as regular plastic films for improving crop growth and water efficiency, while being better for the environment since they break down naturally instead of leaving harmful plastic pieces in soil. This matters because it shows farmers can reduce plastic pollution in our food system without hurting crop production.
The Effects of Biodegradable Mulch Film on the Growth, Yield, and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton and Maize in an Arid Region
AI summary Read the abstract
Biodegradable mulch film maintained crop growth and water use efficiency comparable to conventional polyethylene film in Chinese cotton and maize fields for the first 60 days, then began to degrade. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with biodegradable alternatives could reduce microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
Unveiling the potency of polymers and their environmental implications: an agricultural perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the expanding use of synthetic polymers in agriculture — including water-retaining superabsorbent polymers and slow-release coatings — and found that while they boost crop yields and conserve water, they also contribute to soil microplastic pollution over time. The review calls for more research into biodegradable alternatives to reduce the long-term environmental burden of plastic-based farming inputs.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.