We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A critical review of biodegradable plastic mulch films in agriculture: Definitions, scientific background and potential impacts
Summary
"Biodegradable" plastic mulch films used by farmers are marketed as a green alternative to regular plastic sheeting, since they're meant to break down in soil instead of being removed and thrown away, but this review of existing research finds that they may not fully break down as promised, potentially leaving behind tiny plastic fragments and chemical additives in farmland soil. Because these residues could work their way into crops, water, and eventually our food supply, scientists say we still don't know enough about their long-term safety, and more real-world testing is needed before these products can be confidently called eco-friendly.
Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) can offer an eco-sustainable alternative to conventional polyethene (PE) mulch films in agriculture. While PE films must be removed after use, BDMs are tilled into the soil, where they are expected to biodegrade. However, their long-term impacts on the soil ecosystem (functions, processes, and microbial communities) remain unclear. This review critically analyses evidence about the potential of BDMs as a possible eco-friendly alternative to traditional PE mulches. It updates the available literature on the possible fate and impacts of BDMs on agriculture ecosystems, pinpointing crucial aspects that deserve further investigation. The combined findings indicated that BDM incorporation into the soil could stimulate microbial activity that may ultimately affect soil organic matter dynamics. However, using BDMs should be linked to the risks of incomplete biodegradation by releasing residual bio-microplastics, bio-nanoparticles and additives. We here highlighted gaps in knowledge (i.e. impact on soil ecology and the risk of toxicity) and the need for long-term studies in natural environmental conditions as well as field experiments to evaluate the actual impact of BDMs on soil health and agroecosystem sustainability. Moreover, there still needs to be more clarity of standards covering the conditions under which the biodegradable plastic mulch films biodegrade to ensure safe end-of-life.