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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Assessing the Challenges of Transitioning to Organic Fertilizers: A Case Study in Mahaweli System-B, Sri Lanka
ClearAdoption of Solid Waste Compost in Paddy Farming: Insights from Sri Lanka’s Organic Farming Policy
Researchers investigated Sri Lankan paddy farmers' perceptions of solid waste compost as an organic fertilizer under national organic farming policy, finding that despite growing waste management concerns, adoption barriers remain significant and the compost's potential as an agricultural input is underutilized.
Quantification and identification of microplastics in organic fertilizers: the implication for the manufacture and safe application
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 23 commercial organic fertilizers, finding widespread presence at levels that could meaningfully contribute to agricultural soil pollution when fertilizers are applied. The results raise concerns about organic fertilizers as an underappreciated pathway for microplastics entering farm soils and the food system.
Compost Quality and Markets Are Pivotal for Sustainability in Circular Food-Nutrient Systems: A Case Study of Sri Lanka
This study used an interdisciplinary case study approach to assess Sri Lanka's municipal solid waste composting system, finding that compost quality issues including microplastic contamination and market limitations are key barriers to achieving sustainable circular food-nutrient systems.
Current challenges on the widespread adoption of new bio-based fertilizers: insights to move forward toward more circular food systems
This review examines the challenges of adopting bio-based fertilizers made from food and agricultural waste as replacements for synthetic mineral fertilizers. While bio-based fertilizers can improve soil health and reduce reliance on finite resources, barriers include inconsistent nutrient content, concerns about contaminants like microplastics and heavy metals in waste-derived products, and the need for farmer-friendly application methods. The study is relevant because sewage sludge used in some fertilizers is a known source of microplastic contamination in farmland.
Investigating plastic in organic fertilizers: A 2-year comparative study
A two-year field study compared how different types of organic fertilizers affected plastic content in agricultural soils, finding significant variation depending on the feedstock and processing method. The research informs best practices for minimizing plastic inputs to farmland through fertilizer choice.
How to incentivize farmers to adopt and recycle high-standard plastic mulch in China: economic subsidies, government regulations or social norms?
A survey of 635 farmers in Gansu Province, China assessed drivers of high-standard plastic mulch adoption and recycling, finding that economic subsidies were more effective than government mandates or social norms in encouraging environmentally responsible mulch management.
The potential contribution of microplastic pollution by organic fertilizers in agricultural soils of Bangladesh: quantification, characterization, and risk appraisals
Researchers found an average of 1,530 microplastic particles per kilogram of commercial organic fertilizer in Bangladesh, estimating that annual fertilizer application could introduce up to 1,387 metric tons of microplastics to agricultural soils nationwide.
Unraveling the characteristics of microplastics in agricultural soils upon long-term organic fertilizer application: A comprehensive study using diversity indices
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in agricultural soils that had received organic fertilizers (pig manure, chicken manure, and sewage sludge compost) for 12 years. All three fertilizer types introduced significant microplastic pollution, with risk levels classified as high across all treatments. This study shows that organic fertilizers, often considered environmentally friendly, are a major pathway for microplastics to enter the soil and potentially the food we grow in it.
Selection of Suitable Organic Amendments to Balance Agricultural Economic Benefits and Carbon Sequestration
Researchers evaluated organic soil amendments for balancing agricultural productivity with soil health, finding that amendment type and application rate affect nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and the potential for microplastic introduction via compost or sludge.
Composting in Sri Lanka: Policies, Practices, Challenges, and Emerging Concerns
This review examines composting policies, practices, and challenges in Sri Lanka, noting that rising urban organic waste and shifting dietary patterns are increasing composting demand while governance and implementation gaps create emerging concerns around plastic contamination in compost.
Investigating the Agricultural Use and Disposal of Plastics in Malta
Researchers surveyed the use and disposal of agricultural plastics in Malta and found that the sector generates significant plastic waste with limited recycling infrastructure. Mulch films, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing were among the most common plastic products used, but many farmers lacked access to proper disposal channels. The study calls for better policies and waste collection systems to prevent agricultural plastics from contaminating farmland soils.
Employing a systems approach to unravelling the complexities of the agricultural plastics value chain
Researchers used a systems analysis approach to map the full lifecycle of plastics used in agriculture — from production to disposal — and found that while these materials boost crop yields, they create serious sustainability problems including microplastic accumulation in soil and chemical leaching. The study identifies critical gaps in data, policy, and infrastructure needed to manage agricultural plastic waste and transition toward more sustainable alternatives.
Bioresources in Organic Farming: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Systems
This review examines how bioresources such as compost, biochar, and organic amendments can support sustainable organic farming practices. Researchers assessed the benefits and limitations of various biological inputs for improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and crop yields without synthetic chemicals. The study highlights the growing need for innovative organic approaches as conventional intensive agriculture continues to degrade soil quality and threaten food safety.
Assessment of Awareness, Attitude, and Opinion of Indian Farmers on Microplastic Pollution in Agroecosystems
A survey of 310 crop farmers across 19 Indian regions found limited awareness of microplastic pollution in agriculture, with most farmers unaware that plastic mulch films and irrigation systems contribute to soil contamination — highlighting the need for farmer education to support microplastic mitigation.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in organic fertilizers in China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in organic fertilizers across China, finding widespread plastic particles in compost, manure, and biosolids, identifying fertilizer application as an emerging pathway for microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils.
Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review
This systematic review evaluates biodegradable mulch as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in farming, which is a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. Switching to biodegradable options could help reduce the buildup of microplastics in the soil where food crops are grown.
It is still too early to promote biodegradable mulch film on a large scale: A bibliometric analysis
Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies on biodegradable mulch film as an alternative to conventional plastic mulch in agriculture. The study found that despite growing research interest, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding biodegradation rates in real field conditions and potential ecotoxicity of degradation byproducts. The analysis suggests it is premature to promote large-scale adoption of biodegradable mulch film without further evidence of its environmental safety.
Investigating the Use of Plastic and Its Disposal in Agriculture in Malta
A case study of Malta found that incineration and direct soil incorporation of agricultural plastic waste are common practices among farmers, releasing chemicals and microplastics into soils that grow food crops. The research identified strong willingness among farmers to adopt better disposal methods, suggesting that education-focused policy interventions could meaningfully reduce agricultural plastic pollution at the source.
Microplastic pollution in organic farming development cannot be ignored in China: Perspective of commercial organic fertilizer
Researchers found that commercial organic fertilizers used across China contain high levels of microplastics, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of particles per kilogram, with most being very small particles under 100 micrometers. After five years of fertilizer application, enormous quantities of microplastics are predicted to accumulate in orchard soils. This means that organic farming, often considered the healthier choice, may actually be introducing significant microplastic contamination into food-producing soil.
Plastic mulching in agriculture. Trading short-term agronomic benefits for long-term soil degradation?
This study examined plastic mulch use in agriculture, arguing that short-term crop benefits come with long-term costs as mulch fragments accumulate in soil as microplastics and disrupt soil structure, biology, and water dynamics.
Evaluation of soil fertility status in the Kyoga Basin of Uganda: A physio-chemical study in Buyende and Serere districts
This paper is not about microplastics — it assesses soil nutrient levels (pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter) in agricultural districts of Uganda to guide farming practices.
Analytical Methods for Extraction of Microplastics from Compost in Sri Lanka
This study evaluated analytical methods for extracting microplastics from compost in Sri Lanka, where compost is an important agricultural input but also a significant pathway for microplastic contamination of soil. The research compared extraction approaches to identify reliable protocols suitable for local laboratory conditions.
Farmers’ perceptions and capacity for 3Rs agro-waste management in a vegetable growing area of Bangladesh
Researchers surveyed 125 vegetable farmers in Bangladesh using structured questionnaires to analyze their perceptions and capacity for implementing the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) framework for agro-waste management. Findings identified that intercultural and harvesting stages generate the highest diversity of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, while farmer capacity for waste management remained constrained.
Microplastic contamination of organic fertilisers applied to agricultural soils
This study examined microplastic contamination in organic fertilizers applied to agricultural soils, finding plastic particles in multiple fertilizer types. Organic fertilizers derived from sewage sludge or compost can introduce microplastics into farmland, potentially contaminating crops and groundwater.