IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences

ISSN PRINT 2319-1775 Online 2320-7876

THE EFFECTS OF MICROPLASTICS ON PLANT GROWTH AND SOIL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEMS

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Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Dr. Anjana Negi

Abstract

Abstract: Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have increasingly infiltrated agricultural ecosystems, raising concerns about their effects on plant growth and soil health. These particles enter soils through various pathways, including plastic mulch degradation, sewage sludge application, and contaminated irrigation water. Once in the soil, microplastics can alter physical properties such as porosity, water retention, and soil structure, potentially hindering plant growth by restricting root penetration and water uptake. Microplastics can interact with soil microorganisms, disrupting nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition, essential processes for maintaining soil fertility. The direct uptake of microplastics by plants, leading to bioaccumulation in edible tissues, poses further risks to food safety. This paper reviews the current understanding of these impacts, highlighting the mechanisms through which microplastics influence soil-plant interactions. It also identifies key knowledge gaps and discusses potential mitigation strategies, such as reducing plastic use in agriculture and exploring soil remediation techniques. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive research to address the long-term implications of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils and to ensure sustainable agricultural practices in the face of growing plastic pollution.

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