What factors affect presence of microplastics in agricultural soils? 

The presence of microplastics in agricultural soils is influenced by a variety of factors, as evidenced by recent research. Agricultural practices, such as the use of plastic mulch and irrigation with wastewater, significantly contribute to the accumulation of microplastics in soils. These practices vary in their impact, with plastic mulch and wastewater irrigation leading to different concentrations and types of microplastics, as observed in studies conducted in Iran . The application of biosolids, a by-product of wastewater treatment, to agricultural land is another source, although its contribution relative to other sources such as agricultural plastic and general littering remains complex. Land-use type also plays a crucial role, with farmland, plantations, and orchards/secondary forests showing varying abundances of microplastics, influenced by factors such as population density and agricultural activities. The types of crops grown and the specific agricultural practices employed, including the use of organic fertilizers and sludge, further affect the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in farmland soils . Environmental conditions, including erosion, runoff, and wind transport, are significant in redistributing microplastics within agricultural soils and into the wider environment. Seasonal variations, with higher concentrations observed in summer, suggest that these processes are dynamic and influenced by weather conditions. Wind-driven erosion, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, has been identified as a pathway for the transport of microplastics from agricultural soils into the atmosphere. The interaction of microplastics with soil fauna and bioturbation, along with agricultural interventions such as plowing and crop harvesting, facilitates the vertical and horizontal transport of microplastics in the soil. Moreover, the presence of microplastics in soil can influence nutrient cycling, affecting the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous cycles through interactions with soil microbes. In summary, the presence of microplastics in agricultural soils is affected by a complex interplay of agricultural practices, land-use types, environmental conditions, and interactions with soil biota and nutrients .

Sources and identification technology of microplastics in soil

Factors affecting microplastic presence in agricultural soils include the use of plastic film, sludge recycling, organic fertilizer, surface runoff, and sewage irrigation, as outlined in the research.

Microplastics in agricultural soils from a semi-arid region and their transport by wind erosion.

Presence of microplastics in agricultural soils is influenced by factors like plastic mulch usage, wastewater irrigation, wind erosion, and varying polymer types such as PET and nylon.

Significance of Microplastics in Agricultural Soil

Factors affecting microplastics presence in agricultural soils include bioturbation by roots and soil fauna, plowing, cultivation, harvesting, and water infiltration, leading to higher concentrations compared to oceans.

Microplastics are released from agricultural soils to the atmosphere by wind erosion 

Factors affecting microplastic presence in agricultural soils include agricultural practices like plastic mulching and wastewater irrigation, wind erosion, polymer types like PET and nylon, and varying degrees of weathering.

Spatial Distributions, Compositional Profiles, Potential Sources, and Intfluencing Factors of Microplastics in Soils from Different Agricultural Farmlands in China: A National Perspective

Recovery method, plowing frequency, meteorological conditions, and certain soil properties significantly influence microplastic presence in agricultural soils, as per the study on Chinese farmlands.

[Distribution, Sources, and Behavioral Characteristics of Microplastics in Farmland Soil].

Factors affecting microplastics presence in agricultural soils include agricultural plastic films, organic fertilizers, sludge, surface runoff, irrigation, atmospheric deposition, tire wear particles, land use, size reduction, and migration pathways.

Agricultural soils and microplastics: Are biosolids the problem?

Factors affecting microplastic presence in agricultural soils include biosolids, agricultural plastic, littering, farm management, rainfall, erosion, runoff, and wind transport. Biosolids are not the sole source.

Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in coastal plain soils under three land-use types.

Agricultural activities, particularly in areas with high population density, are the main factors influencing the presence of microplastics in farmland soils.