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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Disintegration and mineralization of mulch films and leaf litter in soil
ClearDynamics 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.
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.
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.
The fate of post-use biodegradable PBAT-based mulch films buried in agricultural soil
Scientists tracked the breakdown of a biodegradable mulch film in farm soil over 16 months and found that while the film lost more than half its surface area, it released microplastics into the surrounding soil during the process. About 17-23% of the original film material was still recoverable from the soil after nearly 500 days. The study shows that even biodegradable plastics can be a source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.
From plastic mulching to microplastic pollution : An effect assessment of microplastics in the soil-plant system
This review assessed how plastic mulching films contribute to agricultural microplastic pollution, finding that biodegradable alternatives rarely fully degrade under field conditions and instead fragment into microplastics, with both LDPE and biodegradable microplastics producing measurable ecological effects in soil-plant systems.
Plastic Mulch‐Derived Microplastics in Agricultural Soil Systems
This review examines how plastic mulch films widely used in agriculture degrade via photodegradation, chemical processes, and microbial activity to form microplastics, and discusses how these microplastics affect soil properties, plant growth, soil microbiomes, and broader agricultural ecosystem health.
Soil-biodegradable mulch film: Distinguishing between persistent microplastics and fragments released from certified soil-biodegradable products
Researchers incubated a certified soil-biodegradable mulch film in agricultural soil and used μ-FTIR microscopy to track fragmentation and biodegradation kinetics, distinguishing between fragments that biodegraded within the study period and those that would persist as microplastics.
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.
Microplastic incorporation into soil aggregates: Insights from two-year field experiments in European agricultural topsoils
Researchers conducted two-year field experiments in European agricultural topsoils comparing microplastic incorporation into soil aggregates from biodegradable and conventional plastic mulch films, finding that soil properties and MP size and shape influence the degree of occlusion, with aggregate embedment potentially protecting MPs from further degradation.
Kinetics of microplastic generation from different types of mulch films in agricultural soil
Researchers investigated the kinetics of microplastic generation from different mulch films in agricultural soil, finding that weathering rates and microplastic formation patterns varied significantly between oxodegradable, biodegradable, and conventional plastic films.
Are agricultural plastic covers a source of plastic debris in soil? A first screening study
Agricultural plastic covers made from polyethylene and polypropylene were assessed for their potential to fragment and contribute microplastics to underlying soil in a screening study, with early results suggesting partial breakdown during field use. The study provides preliminary evidence that agricultural covers are a source of soil microplastic contamination beyond just mulch films.
Microplastic fate in soil environments: Drivers of the vertical transport of mulching film fragments
This study examined the vertical transport and fate of microplastics in soil environments, focusing on particles generated from the degradation of plastic mulch films used in agriculture. Multiple drivers including soil structure, rainfall, and particle properties were shown to influence how deeply microplastics migrate through the soil profile.
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.
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.
Plastic mulching, and occurrence, incorporation, degradation, and impacts of polyethylene microplastics in agroecosystems
This review examines how plastic mulch films used in agriculture break down into polyethylene microplastics and what happens to them in farm ecosystems. Researchers describe how microorganisms colonize these particles and can eventually break down the plastic molecules, but also how the microplastics alter soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The study highlights plastic mulching as a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils worldwide.
Dataset for: "Long-term biodegradable mulch films application in agricultural fields: effects on soil functionality and microplastic generation"
This is a duplicate dataset deposit for the long-term biodegradable mulch film study examining soil functionality and microplastic generation in agricultural fields. The research is relevant to evaluating whether switching from conventional to biodegradable plastic films in farming can genuinely reduce microplastic inputs to soil.
Microplastic fate in soil environments: Drivers of the vertical transport of mulching film fragments
Researchers investigated the vertical transport of microplastics from plastic mulch films in soil, identifying factors that control how far particles move downward into the soil profile. Particle size, shape, and soil properties were found to be key drivers of microplastic vertical migration.
Investigating the Degradation of Biodegradable Mulch Films in Agricultural Soil: A Molecular Approach
Researchers investigated the field degradation of biodegradable mulch films composed of starch and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) over 16 months under Mediterranean climate conditions, using molecular methods to characterize how pristine and UV-aged films break down in agricultural soil.
Effects of compost, cover crops, and local conditions on degradation of two agricultural mulches in soil
This field study examined how quickly biodegradable plastic mulches degrade in agricultural soil under different organic management practices including compost application and cover crops. Compost and biological soil amendment accelerated degradation in some conditions. Faster degradation of biodegradable mulches would reduce the accumulation of microplastic fragments in farmland soil.
Fate of plastic film residues in agro-ecosystem and its effects on aggregate-associated soil carbon and nitrogen stocks
Researchers studied the fate of biodegradable and LDPE plastic film residues buried in agricultural soil over three years and found that biodegradable films did not meaningfully degrade under field conditions, both types altered soil aggregate structure and reduced carbon and nitrogen stocks compared to controls.
Long-term biodegradable mulch films application in agricultural fields: effects on soil functionality and microplastic generation
A long-term field study in northern Italy found that biodegradable mulch films (BMFs) used over multiple seasons contributed measurable microplastic accumulation in agricultural soils and altered soil functionality compared to non-mulched plots. The results challenged the assumption that biodegradable films leave no plastic residue and preserve soil health.
From intentionally used plastic films to soil microplastic contamination
Researchers examined how six different LDPE agricultural plastic films fragment into microplastics under UV radiation and mechanical stress, finding that film thickness and UV exposure time significantly influenced degradation rates, with thinner films fragmenting more rapidly into soil-contaminating microplastic particles.
Horizontal and vertical mobilisation of microplastics in agricultural soils: run-off and infiltration experiments
Researchers studied the horizontal and vertical movement of microplastics from agricultural mulch films in soil, examining runoff and leaching as transport pathways. The study found that microplastics from mulch films migrate both downward into the soil profile and laterally via surface runoff.
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.