We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Effects of Conservation Agriculture Practices on Tomato Yield and Economic Performance
ClearEffects of microplastics polluted soil on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum L.
This study tested how microplastic-contaminated soil affects tomato plant growth, finding that higher concentrations of plastic particles in soil reduced plant height, root development, and overall crop health. The results suggest that microplastic pollution in farmland could reduce food crop yields and potentially affect the quality of the produce we eat.
Fresh-marketable tomato yields enhanced by moderate weed control and suppressed fruit dehiscence with woodchip mulching
Researchers found that mulberry woodchip mulch enhanced fresh-marketable tomato yields and reduced fruit dehiscence compared to plastic film mulch, supporting the use of organic alternatives to reduce agricultural plastic pollution.
Effect of Biodegradable Mulch and Different Synthetic Mulches on Growth and Yield of Field-Grown Small-Fruited Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)
This field trial compared biodegradable and synthetic plastic mulches for tomato cultivation and found that all mulching treatments increased marketable yield by an average of 19.6%. Notably, fruits grown on biodegradable foil had the highest potassium, lycopene, and polyphenol content, suggesting biodegradable mulches can match synthetic plastic performance while reducing long-term plastic contamination of agricultural soil.
Sustainable Agriculture through Small-Scale Hydroponics and Enhanced Nutrient Management
Despite its title referencing hydroponics and nutrient management, this paper studies the growth of tomato plants under different nutrient solution formulations in a hydroponic system — not microplastic pollution. It identifies the best nutrient mix for maximizing plant yield and is not relevant to microplastics or human health.
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.
Can microplastics threaten plant productivity and fruit quality? Insights from Micro-Tom and Micro-PET/PVC
Researchers grew tomato plants in soil containing environmentally realistic levels of PET and PVC microplastics and found mixed effects on plant productivity and fruit quality. While some growth parameters were affected, the microplastics also altered the mineral content of the tomatoes. This study suggests that microplastics in agricultural soil could change the nutritional profile of the food we eat.
Microplastics in Agricultural Soils: A Case Study in Cultivation of Watermelons and Canning Tomatoes
Researchers collected soil samples from fields used for watermelon and tomato cultivation for over 10 years in Greece to assess microplastic contamination. They found that all microplastics originated from the black agricultural mulch film used in these crops, with watermelon fields containing over four times more microplastics than tomato fields due to different mulching practices. The study demonstrates that long-term agricultural plastic use is a significant source of soil microplastic pollution.
Effects of Land Preparation Method and Organic Soil Amendment on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays)
This field experiment in Kenya found that conservation agriculture with black soldier fly manure and biochar improved soil moisture retention and maize yields. The study is not related to microplastic research.
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.
Impacts of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Tomato Crops: A Critical Review
This review covers the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on tomato crops, documenting disruption at germination, root development, flowering, and fruit production stages. It also examines how these particles alter soil microbial communities and identifies priority research areas for understanding MP effects on major food crops.
Effect of microplastics used in agronomic practices on agricultural soil properties and plant functions: Potential contribution to the circular economy of rural areas
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.
Alternative Mulches for Sustainable Greenhouse Tomato Production
Researchers evaluated three mulch types — polyethylene, straw, and biodegradable biopolymers — compared to non-mulched controls in a Mediterranean greenhouse over two years of organic tomato production, measuring soil moisture, temperature, physicochemical properties, crop yield, and weed control. They found that biodegradable biopolymer mulches offered comparable agronomic performance to polyethylene while avoiding plastic residue accumulation in soil.
Microplastic contamination in croplands: Investigation of microplastics at asparagus and strawberries comparing conventional and organic farming systems
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in asparagus and strawberries grown under conventional and organic farming systems, focusing on crops that typically use plastic mulch film to assess whether farming practice influences microplastic accumulation in edible produce.
Potential impacts of two types of microplastics on Solanum lycopersicum L. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Researchers investigated the potential impacts of two types of microplastics on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, examining how plastic pollution may disrupt plant-fungal symbiotic relationships in agricultural soils.
Impact of the sustainable agricultural practices for governing soil health from the perspective of a rising agri-based circular bioeconomy
This review examines sustainable farming practices for maintaining soil health and supporting a circular bioeconomy, focusing on preserving soil organic matter as the foundation of productive agriculture. Depleted soils are a growing global concern as population expansion demands more food production. While not directly about microplastics, healthy soil management is relevant because degraded soils are more vulnerable to microplastic accumulation and contamination.
Fresh-marketable tomato yields enhanced by moderate weed control and suppressed fruit dehiscence with woodchip mulching
Researchers examined the effects of mulberry woodchip mulch as a plastic film alternative on tomato yields over two successive years, comparing woodchip mulch, weed-free, and unweeded treatments, and found that moderate weed control via woodchip mulching enhanced fresh-marketable yields while also suppressing fruit dehiscence. The study supports organic mulching as a more sustainable agroecosystem practice that reduces plastic film use.
A Combined Effect of Mixed Multi-Microplastic Types on Growth and Yield of Tomato
Researchers grew tomatoes in soil spiked with a mixture of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene microplastics and found that while the plants appeared to grow normally, the nutritional quality of the fruit changed. Microplastics significantly reduced carotenoids, flavonoids, and sugars in the tomatoes while increasing protein and certain stress-related enzymes. This suggests that even when crops look healthy, microplastics in soil could subtly reduce the nutritional value of the food we eat.
Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Soil Properties, Microbial Diversity and Solanum lycopersicum L. Growth in Meadow Soils
Researchers tested how polystyrene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations affect tomato plant growth and soil microbes. Surprisingly, some microplastic treatments boosted plant growth and soil nutrients, while others reduced microbial diversity and disrupted soil community networks. The mixed results show that microplastic effects on agriculture are complex and depend on particle size and concentration, making it difficult to predict how contaminated soil will affect food crops.
Impact of Plastic Residues on Soil Properties and Crop Productivity: A Comprehensive Research Study
This agricultural field study assessed how plastic residues at varying contamination levels affect soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and crop productivity, finding that higher microplastic concentrations disrupted soil structure, reduced microbial activity, and lowered plant growth.
Biodegradable Mulching Film vs. Traditional Polyethylene: Effects on Yield and Quality of San Marzano Tomato Fruits
A two-year field trial comparing biodegradable mulching film to conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for San Marzano tomato production found that both mulch types produced equivalent yield increases (25%) and improvements in fruit quality compared to bare soil. Biodegradable film began degrading in the field between 71 and 104 days after transplanting, making it a viable alternative that avoids end-of-life plastic waste. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with biodegradable alternatives could significantly reduce the agricultural microplastic burden entering soils globally.
Microplastics accumulation in agricultural soil: Evidence for the presence, potential effects, extraction, and current bioremediation approaches
This review examines the accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils from sources like plastic mulching and irrigation, discussing their effects on soil properties and crop growth, along with current bioremediation approaches for removing soil microplastics.
The Effect of Covering Corn Silage with Tomato or Apple Pomace on Fermentation Parameters and Feed Quality
This paper is not about microplastics — it examines how covering corn silage with tomato or apple pomace affects fermentation quality and animal feed parameters compared to conventional polyethylene films, with only incidental reference to plastic use in agriculture.
A Combined Effect of Mixed Multi-Microplastic Types on Growth and Yield of Tomato
A greenhouse experiment found that a 1% w/w mixture of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene microplastics negatively affected tomato plant development and yield, with statistical analysis confirming significant growth reductions compared to uncontaminated soil.
Soil Health and Quality in Sustainable Agriculture
This paper is not about microplastics; it is a broad review of soil health and quality principles in sustainable agriculture.