Effects of microplastics on farmland soils and plants: a review

Minhua Zhang, Weiguan Li, Qingkui Li, Aneela Younas, Muhammad Shaaban, Yuyang Li, Jing Liu, Yanfang Wang, Zhanqiang Ma, Zhaoyong Shi, Hongtao Shen and Ling Liu
Additional contact information
Minhua Zhang: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Weiguan Li: Henan Provincial Tobacco Corporation, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
Qingkui Li: China Tobacco Henan Import and Export Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
Aneela Younas: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Muhammad Shaaban: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Yuyang Li: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Jing Liu: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Yanfang Wang: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Zhanqiang Ma: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Zhaoyong Shi: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China
Hongtao Shen: Technology Centre, China Tobacco Henan Industrial Limited Company, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
Ling Liu: College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China

Plant, Soil and Environment, 2025, vol. 71, issue 12, 829-848

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, which are widely present and have become one of the major pollutants in the natural environment, and are increasingly recognised as emerging pollutants in agricultural ecosystems. Due to their small size and high mobility, MPs can easily migrate into farmland soils and attach to plant surfaces, thereby altering the physical, chemical and microbial properties of the soil. These changes may affect seed germination, plant growth, and physiological and biochemical functions. This review systematically synthesises current research on the impact of MPs on agricultural soil, focusing on their effects on soil structure, chemical properties and microbial diversity. The positive and negative effects of MPs on plant seed germination, growth, and physiological and biochemical processes are critically analysed. Furthermore, the potential ecological risks of MPs to soil and plant health are discussed. Mitigation strategies and future research priorities are proposed to address MPs contamination in agricultural systems. This study aims to provide both theoretical insights and practical references to support the prevention and control of MPs pollution in farmland soils, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development and soil ecosystem resilience.

Keywords: plastic waste; agroecosystems; residue; toxicity; physiology and biochemistry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:12:id:180-2025-pse

DOI: 10.17221/180/2025-PSE

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