We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic Mulch‐Derived Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems
Summary
This review examines how plastic mulch films widely used in agriculture degrade via photodegradation, chemical processes, and microbial activity to form microplastics, and discusses how these microplastics affect soil properties, plant growth, soil microbiomes, and broader agricultural ecosystem health.
Plastic mulch films are widely used in agricultural fields because of their multiple benefits; however, as a result of photodegradation, chemical degradation, and microbial processes, mulch films are likely to be broken down into smaller particles, forming microplastics (MPs). MPs influence soil properties, and chemical additives in plastic films are leached into agri-soils. Moreover, mulch MPs can influence the fate and behavior of anthropogenic chemicals, such as pesticides and chemical fertilizer residues, and other organic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. To overcome the drawbacks of persistence, biodegradable plastic mulches have been introduced. This chapter focuses on the generation and distribution of mulch MPs, their effects on soil properties, soil biota, leachability, and their impact on the behavior of chemicals in soil.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
This systematic review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down over time and release microplastics into farm soil. The films improve crop growth but create lasting environmental damage as plastic fragments accumulate and alter soil properties. The findings underscore the importance of developing truly biodegradable alternatives to protect farmland from microplastic pollution.
Agricultural mulch films as soil microplastic contamination factor
This review examines agricultural mulch films as a source of soil microplastic contamination, summarizing evidence on degradation rates, particle accumulation in soil profiles, and impacts on soil properties and biological communities over time.
Plastic mulching, and occurrence, incorporation, degradation, and impacts of polyethylene microplastics in agroecosystems
This review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down into polyethylene microplastics and what happens to them in farm ecosystems. Researchers describe how microorganisms colonize these particles and can eventually break down the plastic molecules, but also how the microplastics alter soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The study highlights plastic mulching as a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils worldwide.
Impact of plastic mulching as a major source of microplastics in agroecosystems
This review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down into microplastics over time, making farmland a major source of soil microplastic pollution. The accumulated microplastics can alter soil properties, affect plant growth, and be taken up by crops that humans eat. The study highlights the need for better end-of-life management of agricultural plastics and more research on how farm-sourced microplastics enter the food chain.
Plastic Mulch Films in Arid Agroecosystems: A Systematic Review of Microplastic Generation, Transport, and Impacts
This systematic review looks at how plastic mulch films used in farming break down into microplastics that contaminate agricultural soil. These microplastics can alter soil structure, affect beneficial organisms, and potentially enter the food chain through crops grown in contaminated fields.