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Biodegradable Film Mulching Increases Soil Carbon Sequestration and Microbial Network Complexity in a Long-Term Field Study
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Scientists studied biodegradable plastic mulch (the plastic sheeting farmers use to cover soil) and found it helps soil store more carbon and support healthier microbial communities compared to regular plastic mulch. However, the biodegradable plastic still breaks down into microplastics in the soil, raising questions about long-term environmental effects. This matters because while biodegradable farm plastics may help fight climate change by storing carbon, we still need to understand how the microplastics they leave behind might affect our food system.
The adoption of biodegradable plastics, such as poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), in agriculture is promoted as a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene (PE) mulching. However, concerns persist regarding their incomplete degradation into microplastics (MPs) and their long-term impact on soil ecosystems. Based on a multi-year field experiment initiated in 1998 with a completely randomized design comparing three treatments: no mulching (NoMul), continuous PE mulching (PolyMul), and a transition from 15 years of PE to 11 years of biodegradable film (PBAT) mulching (BioMul). We evaluated the effects of mulch transition on soil carbon dynamics, microbial communities, and MPs accumulation.Results show that soils under BioMul accumulated a higher load of MPs than those under PolyMul, with the presence of finer particles and unique polymer intermediates indicating ongoing degradation. Despite MPs accumulation, BioMul increased total soil organic carbon (SOC) and the mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) fraction throughout the soil profile (0–100 cm). In surface soil (0–30 cm), SOC under BioMul was 4.0–13.0% higher than under PolyMul or NoMul. This carbon accrual was accompanied by an increase in avtive carbon pools, with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) showing higher concentrations under BioMul in 0–30 cm and 60–100 cm depths. Microbial alpha diversity was decreased, while community composition shifted toward a more functionally integrated structure, characterized by the enrichment of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, and increased fungal (Ascomycota) participation. Co-occurrence network analysis further revealed that BioMul formed a more connected and robust microbial network with stronger bacterial-fungal associations, indicating improved functional synergy within the soil microbiome.Our findings demonstrate that long-term biodegradable film mulching can increase both stable carbon pools, while fostering a cooperative and functionally integrated microbial community, despite the accumulation of MPs. This study provides field evidence that PBAT mulch supports key aspects of soil ecological function and highlights the importance of management practices in realizing the environmental benefits of biodegradable plastics in agriculture.
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Data from: Degradable versus inert microplastics: Effects on soil organic carbon persistence via microbial drivers in an agroecosystem
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Farm soil plastic pollution isn't all the same: a new field study finds that regular plastic (like plastic bags) breaks down soil carbon and depletes it over time, while "biodegradable" plastic actually helps soil microbes build more stable, long-lasting carbon stores. This matters because healthy soil carbon supports the fertile farmland that grows our food and helps fight climate change, suggesting that swapping conventional plastic mulch for biodegradable versions could be a small but meaningful win for both agriculture and the planet.
Degradable versus inert microplastics: Effects on soil organic carbon persistence via microbial drivers in an agroecosystem
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Researchers found that not all plastic pollution in soil acts the same way: regular plastic (polyethylene) seemed to break down soil carbon and reduce its ability to stay locked away, while "biodegradable" plastic (PLA) actually helped soil microbes build more stable carbon storage. This matters because healthy farm soil that holds onto carbon helps fight climate change, so the type of plastic mulch or waste farmers use could have real consequences beyond just pollution—it may affect how much carbon farmland can pull out of the atmosphere long-term.
Microplastics from conventional and biodegradable mulch films alter microbial necromass accumulation and organic carbon sequestration in farmland soils
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Researchers compared how microplastics from conventional polyethylene and biodegradable mulch films affect soil organic carbon storage over 120 days. They found that both types of microplastics altered microbial activity and reduced the accumulation of microbial-derived carbon in soil. The study suggests that even biodegradable plastics, once broken into microplastics, may interfere with soil carbon sequestration in farmland.
Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Functions
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This review examines how biodegradable plastic mulch films affect soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions compared to conventional polyethylene mulches. Researchers found that while biodegradable films avoid the problem of permanent plastic accumulation, their breakdown products can still alter soil microbiomes and carbon cycling in ways that are not yet fully understood. The study highlights the need for long-term field research to determine whether biodegradable mulches are truly a sustainable alternative for agriculture.
The role of biodegradable plastic mulches in soil organic carbon cycling
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This review examines the role of biodegradable plastic mulches in soil organic carbon cycling as an alternative to conventional polyethylene mulches, which shed microplastics into agricultural soils. Biodegradable mulches offer potential environmental benefits but their long-term soil impacts are still being studied.
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