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Effects of Different Mulch Types on Farmland Soil Moisture in an Artificial Oasis Area
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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.
Different types of mulch are often used in agricultural production to enhance soil moisture and improve crop yields. The question of which mulch provides superior water retention in arid regions, where water resources are scarce, is a major concern for agricultural production. We conducted observations and studies at a typical irrigated experimental station in an arid zone with four types of mulch, including liquid mulch (LM), biodegradable mulch (BM), ordinary black mulch (OBM), and ordinary white mulch (OWM), and plots with no mulch. Samples were collected and analyzed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after each rainfall or irrigation to obtain soil moisture changes and to analyze the effect of different mulches on soil moisture retention. The results showed that mulch cover was effective in retaining soil moisture compared to plots without mulch cover. Specifically, soil moisture was highest in the farmland with OWM during the observation period. OWM, OBM, and BM were all effective in reducing soil water evaporation and maintaining soil moisture. LM and BM were capable of utilizing rainfall to recharge soil water in a superior way, and polyethylene mulches (OBM and OWM) had a significant barrier impact on rainfall.
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Effects of plastic mulching on the accumulation and distribution of macro and micro plastics in soils of two farming systems in Northwest China.
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This study investigated how plastic mulching practices in Northwest China affect the accumulation and soil distribution of macro and microplastics in agricultural fields. Plastic fragments from degraded mulch films were found throughout the soil profile, with farming system and management practices influencing the extent of plastic contamination.
Plastic mulching in agriculture. Trading short-term agronomic benefits for long-term soil degradation?
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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.
Microplastic Accumulation in Agricultural Soils with Different Mulching Histories in Xinjiang, China
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Researchers found that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils of Xinjiang, China increases significantly with mulching history, with fields mulched for over 20 years containing substantially more microplastics across all soil layers.
Duration- and area-dependent influences of plastic film mulch on soil microplastics abundance
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Researchers conducted a field campaign combined with remote sensing to investigate how the duration and coverage area of plastic film mulching affect microplastic abundance in agricultural soils in northern China's agro-pastoral ecotone, finding that microplastic concentrations ranged from 41.7 to 787.5 items per kilogram and positively correlated with mulching duration.
Distribution of microplastics in mulched soil in Xinjiang, China
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Researchers measured microplastic distribution in plastic-mulched farmland soils in Xinjiang, China, finding that plastic particles concentrate in the top soil layer where mulch films fragment. The dominant polymer found was polyethylene, consistent with the plastic mulch films widely used in agriculture across the region.
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.