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Macro- and micro- plastics in soil-plant system: Effects of plastic mulch film residues on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth
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Researchers studied how plastic mulch film residues, both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable types, affect wheat growth when mixed into soil. They found that both macro- and micro-sized plastic residues negatively impacted plant growth above and below ground, with effects varying depending on the plastic type and the presence of earthworms. The study highlights that agricultural plastic residues left in soil can meaningfully affect crop development and soil ecosystem health.
Plastic residues have become a serious environmental problem in the regions with intensive use of plastic mulching. Even though plastic mulch is widely used, the effects of macro- and micro- plastic residues on the soil-plant system and the agroecosystem are largely unknown. In this study, low density polyethylene and one type of starch-based biodegradable plastic mulch film were selected and used as examples of macro- and micro- sized plastic residues. A pot experiment was performed in a climate chamber to determine what effect mixing 1% concentration of residues of these plastics with sandy soil would have on wheat growth in the presence and absence of earthworms. The results showed that macro- and micro- plastic residues affected both above-ground and below-ground parts of the wheat plant during both vegetative and reproductive growth. The type of plastic mulch films used had a strong effect on wheat growth with the biodegradable plastic mulch showing stronger negative effects as compared to polyethylene. The presence of earthworms had an overall positive effect on the wheat growth and chiefly alleviated the impairments made by plastic residues.
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Microplastics in the agroecosystem: effects of plastic mulch film residues on the soil-plant system
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This PhD thesis assessed the effects of macro- and micro-sized plastic residues from both polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films on soil and plant systems. Researchers found that plastic residues affected plant growth, rhizosphere microbial communities, soil physical properties, and soil functions. The thesis provides comprehensive experimental evidence for the ecological impacts of mulch film plastic pollution on agricultural soils.
Microplastics in agroecosystem – effects of plastic mulch film residues on soil-plant system
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This review examines how residues from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films accumulate in agricultural soils and affect plant growth and soil health. Both types of mulch film residues are found to have negative effects on the soil-plant system, raising questions about the environmental safety of biodegradable plastic alternatives.
Combined effects of degradable film fragments and micro/nanoplastics on growth of wheat seedling and rhizosphere microbes
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Researchers studied the combined effects of degradable mulching film fragments and polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics on wheat seedling growth and soil microbes. They found that degradable film fragments alone reduced plant growth, but adding nanoplastics partially counteracted harmful fungal communities in the soil. The findings highlight that interactions between multiple types of plastic particles in farmland can produce complex and sometimes unexpected effects on crop health.
Effects of Different Microplastics on Wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth Characteristics and Rhizosphere Soil Environment
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Researchers exposed wheat plants to multiple types of microplastics — including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene — at different concentrations to compare their effects on plant growth and physiological parameters. Different polymer types caused varying degrees of growth inhibition and oxidative stress.
Integrated effects of residual plastic films on soil-rhizosphere microbe-plant ecosystem.
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This pot experiment investigated how residual plastic film fragments of different sizes in agricultural soil affect soil properties, microbial enzyme activity, nutrient levels, and plant growth. Larger plastic residues caused greater disruption to soil health and reduced crop yield, suggesting that accumulated mulch film pollution poses a serious threat to long-term agricultural productivity.
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