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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Past, present, and future perspectives of biodegradable films for soil: A 30-year systematic review
ClearEnvironmental 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.
On the quest for novel bio-degradable plastics for agricultural field mulching
This review examined the challenge of developing biodegradable plastic mulch materials suitable for agricultural use, noting that plasticulture consumes about 6.7 million tons of plastic annually, most of which cannot be practically recycled. The authors assessed candidate biodegradable polymers based on their degradation rates in soil, mechanical performance, and cost.
Design of a Completely Eco-friendly Mulch Foil for Agricultural Production
This paper reviewed the development of eco-friendly mulch films for agriculture, examining biopolymer and composite alternatives to the 2.5 million tons of polyethylene mulch film used annually, with a focus on materials that degrade in soil without leaving persistent microplastic residues.
Soil Bioplastic Mulches for Agroecosystem Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review
This review comprehensively assesses biodegradable plastic mulches as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based films in agriculture, examining their soil degradation, effects on microorganisms, weed control efficacy, and soil property impacts.
A Comprehensive Review of Polyethylene and Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Health and Plant Growth
This comprehensive review compares polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films used in agriculture, examining their effects on soil properties, microplastic accumulation, plant growth, and the actual biodegradation performance of certified biodegradable alternatives under field conditions.
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.
Biodegradable Mulch for Vegetable Production. A Review
This review examined biodegradable plastic mulches as alternatives to conventional polyethylene mulch films in vegetable production, summarizing yield benefits and degradation performance. Replacing conventional plastic mulch with truly biodegradable alternatives could reduce the large amounts of agricultural microplastics shed by mulch film fragmentation.
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.
Macro and microplastics in agricultural soils after use of conventional and biodegradable plastics
Researchers sampled 38 agricultural fields where different plastic products had been used — conventional polyethylene mulching films, polypropylene weed fabrics, biodegradable PBAT mulching films, frost covers, and oxo-degradable films — analyzing both macro and microplastics in soil at varying size fractions. They found plastic particles from all film types present in soils, with biodegradable and oxo-degradable films producing detectable microplastics, raising concerns about all agricultural plastic categories.
[Occurrence and Characteristics of Macro/Micro-plastics and Phthalates in Soils Under Different Plastic Film Mulching].
Researchers assessed residual characteristics of macroplastics, microplastics, and phthalate plasticizers in agricultural soils under different plastic film mulching treatments over a three-year field experiment, comparing traditional PE film with three types of biodegradable mulch and a no-mulch control. The study examined whether biodegradable film substitution effectively reduces soil plastic and PAE residual pollution.
A review of soil pollution from LDPE mulching films and the consequences of the substitute biodegradable plastic on soil health
This review examines how conventional plastic mulch films break down into micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soil, disrupting soil health, microbial communities, and plant growth. Researchers compare these effects with biodegradable plastic mulches, which are designed to decompose more safely. The study highlights that while biodegradable alternatives show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects on soil ecosystems.
iMulch: an investigation of the influence of polymers on a terrestrial ecosystem using the example of mulch films used in agriculture
This research project studied how plastic mulch films used in farming break down into microplastics in soil, comparing conventional polyethylene films with biodegradable alternatives. The findings show that both types of mulch release microplastic particles into agricultural soil, though they behave differently in the environment, raising questions about the true sustainability of biodegradable farm plastics.
Dataset for: "Long-term biodegradable mulch films application in agricultural fields: effects on soil functionality and microplastic generation"
This is a dataset accompanying a study on the long-term use of biodegradable mulch films in agricultural fields, examining effects on soil function and whether these films generate microplastics over time. The research addresses a critical question for sustainable agriculture: whether biodegradable plastic alternatives to conventional mulch films genuinely reduce microplastic contamination in farmland soils.
Agricultural mulch films as soil microplastic contamination factor
This review examines agricultural mulch films as a source of soil microplastic contamination, summarizing evidence on degradation rates, particle accumulation in soil profiles, and impacts on soil properties and biological communities over time.
Dynamics of macroplastics and microplastics formed by biodegradable mulch film in an agricultural field
Researchers tracked the breakdown of biodegradable mulch film in agricultural fields over four years and found that while the material fragmented into smaller pieces, complete degradation did not occur. Both macro- and microplastic fragments from the biodegradable film persisted in the soil throughout the study period. The findings suggest that biodegradable mulch films, promoted as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic, may still contribute to microplastic accumulation in farmland.
Macro and microplastics in agricultural soils after use of conventional and biodegradable plastics
Researchers sampled 38 agricultural fields where conventional polyethylene mulching films, polypropylene weed fabrics, biodegradable PBAT films, and frost covers had been used, quantifying macro- and microplastic contamination in soils to assess how different agricultural plastic products contribute to soil plastic pollution.
Field test on the biodegradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) based mulch films in soil
Researchers buried four types of supposedly biodegradable plastic mulch films — used in farming to suppress weeds — in agricultural soil for over two years and found that all four still left behind microplastic fragments. This shows that even biodegradable plastics can accumulate in soil if used repeatedly each growing season.
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.
Are mulch biofilms used in agriculture an environmentally friendly solution? - An insight into their biodegradability and ecotoxicity using key organisms in soil ecosystems
Researchers assessed the biodegradation and ecotoxicity of a commercial biodegradable mulch biofilm in soil systems. The study found that while marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastic mulch, biodegradable films did not fully degrade under natural soil conditions as certification standards would predict. The results suggest that more rigorous testing under realistic field conditions is needed before assuming these products are safe for soil ecosystems.
Are biodegradable mulch films a sustainable solution to microplastic mulch film pollution? A biogeochemical perspective
This review asks whether biodegradable mulch films are truly a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic films used in agriculture. Researchers found that biodegradable microplastics may actually accumulate more readily in soil than traditional microplastics because they require specific conditions to fully break down. The study warns that biodegradable films could alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, microbial communities, and greenhouse gas emissions in ways not yet fully understood.
Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films: Impacts on Soil Microbial Communities and Ecosystem Functions
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.
Microplastics in agroecosystem – effects of plastic mulch film residues on soil-plant system
This review examines how residues from both conventional polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films accumulate in agricultural soils and affect plant growth and soil health. Both types of mulch film residues are found to have negative effects on the soil-plant system, raising questions about the environmental safety of biodegradable plastic alternatives.
The role of biodegradable plastic mulches in soil organic carbon cycling
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.