Microplastics alter the nitrogen cycle in soil affecting nutrient availability to crops
Microplastics alter the nitrogen cycle in soil affecting nutrient availability to crops
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as a serious pollutant in terrestrial ecosystems. Emerging research shows that MPs are accumulating in soils at potentially even higher concentrations than in oceans, threatening vital processes linked to soil fertility. A recent global meta-analysis synthesizing data from 147 peer-reviewed studies (over 1100 observations) sheds light on how MPs affect soil enzymes crucial for nitrogen (N) acquisition.
This comprehensive meta-analysis applied rigorous statistical techniques to evaluate how MPs impact the activities of key soil enzymes linked to the breakdown of proteins, chitin, and urea—substances found in natural soil organic matter and some fertilizers. These enzymes are essential to making nitrogen available to plants and supporting crop growth and quality. The survey included data from a wide range of soil types, environmental conditions, and MP types (from both biodegradable and conventional plastics, often derived from agricultural materials).
Soil MPs alter fundamental processes critical to plant nutrition and ecosystem health. Regulatory frameworks should be adapted to address MP contamination in soils, with a focus on waste management, plastic use in agriculture, and thresholds for safe exposure. These insights can inform agricultural practices that reduce MPs accumulation in farmland while ensuring soil conditions that can buffer against the negative effects of these pollutants.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as a serious pollutant in terrestrial ecosystems. Emerging research shows that MPs are accumulating in soils at potentially even higher concentrations than in oceans, threatening vital processes linked to soil fertility. A recent global meta-analysis synthesizing data from 147 peer-reviewed studies (over 1100 observations) sheds light on how MPs affect soil enzymes crucial for nitrogen (N) acquisition.
This comprehensive meta-analysis applied rigorous statistical techniques to evaluate how MPs impact the activities of key soil enzymes linked to the breakdown of proteins, chitin, and urea—substances found in natural soil organic matter and some fertilizers. These enzymes are essential to making nitrogen available to plants and supporting crop growth and quality. The survey included data from a wide range of soil types, environmental conditions, and MP types (from both biodegradable and conventional plastics, often derived from agricultural materials).
Soil MPs alter fundamental processes critical to plant nutrition and ecosystem health. Regulatory frameworks should be adapted to address MP contamination in soils, with a focus on waste management, plastic use in agriculture, and thresholds for safe exposure. These insights can inform agricultural practices that reduce MPs accumulation in farmland while ensuring soil conditions that can buffer against the negative effects of these pollutants.
PAPILLONS
Ongoing | 2021-2025
- Main funding source
- Horizon 2020 (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Norway