Impact of microplastics in agriculture

Plastics are one of the largest mass-produced man-made materials with current estimated global production growth rate at 8.5% per annum, accumulating to a total of around 7,800 Mt plastic produced worldwide. Projected figures estimate that by 2050, the natural environment and landfills will retain 12,000 Mt of plastic waste. Herein lies an unprecedented environmental and ecological issue, with plastic waste releasing microplastics into the environment. Plastics have various uses in agriculture, including mulch, wrapping, potting, and shelter; however, they can also be inadvertently applied to land via sewage sludge, irrigation water, and compost. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the effects microplastics have in the agricultural environment, including effects on soil properties, nutrient cycling, and soil fauna, which have consequences for livestock and crop yields. The review also considers the combined effects of microplastics and other agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and antibiotics.