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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Strategies for Sustainable Management of Agricultural Waste Vinyl in South Korea
ClearTowards a Sustainable Future: Advancing an Integrated Approach for the Recycling and Valorization of Agricultural Plastics
This review surveys current methods for recycling and valorizing agricultural plastics—films, mulches, and greenhouse covers—highlighting that inadequate end-of-life management leads to soil and water contamination and eventual microplastic formation. A more integrated, circular approach to agricultural plastic design and disposal is needed to prevent these materials from fragmenting into persistent environmental pollutants.
Emission characteristics analysis on microplastics by inorganic sludge discharged from recycling processes of agricultural waste vinyl in Korea
Researchers analysed inorganic sludge generated from agricultural waste vinyl recycling processes in South Korea, conducting leaching tests, heavy metal analysis, and microplastic characterisation to establish baseline environmental data for this poorly studied waste stream. The study addresses a data gap in microplastic research by focusing on terrestrial and industrial recycling residues rather than aquatic ecosystems.
Agricultural plastics and environmental sustainability: Assessment and remediation strategies
This review examines the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of agricultural plastics including mulch films, irrigation pipes, and greenhouse covers, and evaluates management strategies such as recycling, composting, biodegradable alternatives, and circular economy models for reducing microplastic accumulation.
Microplastics in soil and groundwater of Korea: Occurrence, characteristics and risk assessment
This review synthesizes recent Korean research on microplastic contamination in soil and groundwater, finding that PP, PE, PET, and PVC are the most common polymers, fragments dominate in shape (indicating secondary breakdown of plastic products), and agricultural practices are major local sources including plastic mulch films and greenhouse covers. Groundwater microplastic levels vary seasonally with monsoon rainfall, while soil levels remain relatively stable year-round. The review concludes that Korea needs a nationwide investigation and tighter regulations on agricultural plastic use to address what is already a low-to-moderate ecological risk in studied regions.
The Use and Recycling of Agricultural Plastic Mulch in China: A Review
This review examines the widespread use of plastic mulch in Chinese agriculture, where adoption ranks first globally, along with the severe farmland pollution caused by residual plastic film. Researchers summarize the types of mulch used, the environmental damage from accumulation in soil, and current recycling practices. The study discusses government policies and farmer practices aimed at addressing plastic mulch pollution and offers reference points for other countries facing similar challenges.
End-of-Life Management Options for Agricultural Mulch Films in the United States—A Review
This review assessed end-of-life management options for polyethylene agricultural mulch films in the United States, finding that on-farm recycling and collection programs remain limited due to contamination, logistical, and economic barriers. Soil-biodegradable mulch films were highlighted as the most promising near-term alternative, though degradation performance varies with soil temperature and moisture.
Agricultural Plastic Waste Management
This article describes a European research project on recycling agricultural plastic waste including mulch films, packaging, and greenhouse covers, which are significant sources of microplastic contamination in farmland soils. The project developed innovative biodegradation routes as an alternative to landfill disposal.
Impact of Management Strategies on Reducing of Mulching Film Residues Pollution in Arid Regions
Researchers examined the impact of different management strategies — including increased polyethylene film recycling rates and adoption of biodegradable mulch films — on reducing mulching film residue pollution in arid agricultural regions. The study found that combining recycling incentives with biodegradable film adoption significantly reduced soil plastic accumulation, supporting sustainable agricultural development in water-limited dryland farming systems.
Agricultural plastic mulching as a source of microplastics in the terrestrial environment
Researchers analyzed 384 soil samples from 19 Chinese provinces and found that macroplastic fragments were concentrated in agricultural fields with plastic mulch film use, providing large-scale field evidence linking agricultural mulching to terrestrial plastic contamination.
Dealing with Plastic Waste from Agriculture Activity
This review examines plastic waste generated by agricultural activities in Portugal and Europe — including mulch films, greenhouse covers, and irrigation tubing — and evaluates current recycling rates, contamination barriers, and strategies for improving plastic recovery from farming operations.
Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
This systematic review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down over time and release microplastics into farm soil. The films improve crop growth but create lasting environmental damage as plastic fragments accumulate and alter soil properties. The findings underscore the importance of developing truly biodegradable alternatives to protect farmland from microplastic pollution.
Environmental fate and effects of mulch films on agricultural soil: A systematic review from application to residual impact
This systematic review traces the full lifecycle of plastic mulch films used in farming, from application to breakdown in soil. While these films boost crop yields, they leave behind persistent residues that fragment into microplastics, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater. The review highlights the need for biodegradable alternatives to reduce long-term microplastic accumulation in agricultural land.
Improvement of crop and soil management practices through mulching for enhancement of soil fertility and environmental sustainability: A review
This review examined mulching practices in agriculture as a strategy for improving soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields, while also noting that plastic mulch films generate persistent microplastic contamination in agricultural soils. The authors discussed biodegradable mulch alternatives and best management practices for reducing plastic residues.
Microplastics in agricultural soils in China: Sources, impacts and solutions
This review examines microplastic contamination in Chinese agricultural soils, finding abundances ranging from about 5 to over 40,000 items per kilogram depending on location. The study identifies plastic mulching films as the most significant source, followed by abandoned greenhouses and organic fertilizers, and recommends sustainable agronomic practices to reduce soil microplastic pollution.
Sustainable Plasticulture in Chinese Agriculture: a Review of Challenges and Routes to Achieving Long-term Food and Ecosecurity
This review examines the challenges of plasticulture in Chinese agriculture, where macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic pollution from mulch films threatens long-term soil health and crop production. The authors propose holistic solutions targeting plastic production, use, and waste management to protect food security.
Impact of plastic film mulching on microplastic in farmland soils in Guangdong province, China
Researchers surveyed farmland in Guangdong, China's largest economic province, to determine how much plastic mulch film contributes to soil microplastic pollution. They found that fields using plastic mulch had significantly higher microplastic levels than those without, and the contamination correlated with years of mulch use. The study helps clarify the direct agricultural contribution to soil microplastic pollution in regions with many overlapping pollution sources.
Management of agricultural plastic waste in Portugal to prevent microplastics
This study assessed agricultural plastic waste management practices in Portugal and their role in generating soil micro- and nanoplastics. Poor management of plastic mulches and other agricultural films was identified as a significant and preventable source of persistent soil contamination.
Mapping of Agricultural Plastics Pollution in Soil: case study of Italy, France and Norway
Researchers developed an atlas quantifying and localizing agricultural plastic waste in Italy, France, and Norway, finding that plastic mulch films and other agricultural plastics accumulate in soils and generate microplastic contamination that varies significantly by crop type, climate, and waste management practices.
Advances in the Sustainable Use of Plastics in Horticulture—Perspectives, Innovations, Opportunities, and Limitations
This review assesses the sustainability of plastic use in horticulture — including mulch films, crop covers, and polytunnels — and evaluates options to reduce, reuse, recycle, or replace them. It matters for microplastics because agricultural plastics left in fields fragment into microplastics that contaminate soil and crops, and the review identifies where biodegradable or alternative materials offer the most practical substitution.
Revealing the Full Picture of Agricultural Plastic Legacy Pollution: Toward “Zero‐Leakage” Management in Chinese Farmlands
This review examines the legacy of agricultural plastic mulch film pollution in Chinese farmlands, where China consumes approximately 68% of global mulch film production, leading to persistent residue accumulation and microplastic contamination. The authors propose a 'zero-leakage' management framework to address the full spectrum of plastic pollution across different environmental compartments in agricultural settings.
Prospective Scenarios for Addressing the Agricultural Plastic Waste Issue: Results of a Territorial Analysis
A study on agricultural plastic waste assessed prospective management scenarios combining stakeholder input with life cycle analysis to identify sustainable pathways for reducing farm plastic pollution. Results highlighted the need for integrated approaches spanning plastic reduction, reuse, and improved collection systems.
Plastic Mulch Films in Agriculture: Their Use, Environmental Problems, Recycling and Alternatives
This review examines how plastic mulch films used in farming break down into microplastics and nanoplastics that contaminate soil, harm soil organisms, and can enter the human body through the food chain. While developed countries are making progress with recycling and biodegradable alternatives, the health effects of nanoplastics from agricultural plastic remain largely unknown. Better collection, recycling, and alternative materials are needed to reduce this growing source of plastic pollution.
Current Status of Plastic Recycling in Korea
This review examines the current state of plastic recycling in South Korea, identifying barriers including small recycling company sizes, low recycling yields, and poor public perception. Improving recycling infrastructure is important for keeping plastics out of the environment where they fragment into microplastics.
Polymers Use as Mulch Films in Agriculture—A Review of History, Problems and Current Trends
This review traces the history of plastic mulch films in agriculture, from their widespread adoption for moisture retention and weed control to growing concerns about soil contamination. Researchers found that while polyethylene mulch is highly effective, its accumulation in farmland creates long-term pollution and health risks. The study examines emerging biodegradable alternatives and new regulations aimed at reducing agricultural plastic waste.