We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of microplastics on selected physical properties of agricultural soils and on the response of the selected terrestrial isopod
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that tiny plastic pieces from agricultural films change how soil holds and releases water, with some types increasing available water for plants by about 5%. These microplastics also affect soil creatures that help keep ecosystems healthy. This matters because these plastic particles could be changing how our food is grown and may eventually end up in the crops we eat.
Mikroplastika (MP) je vse pogosteje prepoznana kot pomemben onesnaževalec kmetijskih tal, kjer lahko vpliva na fizikalne in kemijske lastnosti tal, organizme in rastline ter s tem na delovanje agroekosistemov. V doktorski raziskavi smo preučevali vpliv treh vrst MP, pridobljene z mletjem komercialnih zastirnih folij iz polietilena nizke gostote (LDPE), polibutilen adipat tereftalata (PBAT) in škroba, na izbrane fizikalne lastnosti tal, talne organizme in rastline. V laboratorijskih in lončnih poskusih smo ugotovili, da prisotnost MP vpliva na vodoodbojnost tal, pri čemer so bili učinki izrazitejši v peščeno-ilovnatih tleh. Pri višjih koncentracijah PBAT in škrobne MP smo zaznali približno 5 % povečanje rastlinam dostopne vode, kar kaže na teksturno specifične odzive tal. Prisotnost MP v tleh je posredno vplivala na kopenskega enakonožca Porcellionides pruinosus preko sprememb mikrookolja
More Papers Like This
Impact of Microplastics on Soil Health: Soil-Water Retention, Shrinkage and Holding Properties
AI summary Read the abstract
A review of research on microplastics in soil found that plastic particles can alter water retention, shrinkage, and structural properties in ways that could reduce agricultural productivity. Because microplastics are as prevalent in soils as in oceans, their terrestrial impacts warrant much greater research attention.
Exploring the influence of microplastics on soil biogeochemical traits using an artificial soil approach
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists tested how tiny plastic bits (from things like plastic mulch used in farming) affect soil health, finding that these microplastics reduce soil moisture and slow down microbial activity, key processes that keep soil fertile and functioning. This matters because farm soil quality directly impacts food production, and the effects varied based on plastic shape and soil type, suggesting the growing use of plastic in agriculture could have complex, hard-to-predict consequences for the land that grows our food.
Potential impacts of microplastic pollution on soil–water–plant dynamics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how different shapes and sizes of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastics affect a soil's ability to hold water, finding that fragment-shaped microplastics increased water retention by up to 36% — a significant change that could alter water availability for crops and affect agricultural planning in contaminated soils.
The influence of microplastic on soil hydraulic properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how the addition of microplastics to soil affects hydraulic properties including water retention and conductivity, finding that effects depend strongly on plastic shape, concentration, and soil texture. This study suggests that microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils could alter water movement and availability for crops.
Effect of microplastics used in agronomic practices on agricultural soil properties and plant functions: Potential contribution to the circular economy of rural areas
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the effects of microplastics used in common agricultural practices — including mulch film residues and irrigation-delivered particles — on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Microplastic presence altered soil aggregation, water retention, and microbial community composition, with effects depending on plastic concentration, polymer type, and soil texture.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.