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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Sign in to save

Agricultural Plastic Mulching as a Source of Microplastics in the Terrestrial Conditions

2023 9 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
M. Calero, Mario J. Muñoz, Rafael R. Solís, Emilio J. Lozano, Verónica Godoy, M.A. Martín‐Lara

Summary

This study examined how agricultural plastic mulching — widely used to boost crop yields and conserve water — degrades and releases microplastics into surrounding terrestrial environments. Agricultural plastics represent a largely underappreciated but massive source of soil microplastic contamination, with direct implications for food crop safety and the long-term health of farmland ecosystems.

The use of plastics in agriculture has been intensified due to the associated benefits in diverse aspects such as crop yield, water saving and protection against weeds or plagues. Although there is a long list of plastic elements used in agriculture, their main use...

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