PLASTICS IN AGRIFOOD SECTOR
Plastics - Tiny Particles, Big Problem
Propelled by the widespread adoption of plastic materials in the 1950s, they became an integral part of our daily lives due to their affordability, low weight, ease of use, low management, and exceptional endurance. While plastic products have a relatively short lifespan of around 10 years, their durability is a double-edged sword. Plastics can take up to 500 years to fully decompose, depending on their composition and disposal conditions.
The global production of plastics has surged in recent decades, reaching an estimated annual consumption of 368 to 460 million metric tons. This metric is projected to triple by 2060, further exacerbating the global plastic pollution crisis.
Plastics have become ubiquitous in the food system, from agricultural production to food packaging and waste disposal. While they offer certain advantages like improved food preservation, reduced spoilage, and increased efficiency in transportation, their negative consequences are far-reaching. They are proven to harm marine life and ecosystems, contribute to deforestation and climate change, and can be harmful to food systems and human health. Their long-term impact remains a pressing issue, besides its short-term benefits mainly in terms of economic gains.
Plastics in Agriculture
In modern agriculture, various types of plastics are utilized for different purposes. Common plastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), among others. Each of these materials serves specific functions, such as creating protective films for crops, constructing irrigation systems, or manufacturing containers for transporting produce. The versatility of these plastics allows farmers to enhance productivity and efficiency. The lightweight nature of plastic materials makes them easy to handle and apply in various agricultural practices. The vegetable, fruit, crop, and livestock sectors are the largest users, accounting for ten million tons a year collectively, followed by fisheries and aquaculture, then forestry.
For instance, mulching films account for 75 % of global plastic use in agriculture. They are used as protective coverings to shield crops and soil from harmful atmospheric conditions, such as drying, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient loss. They improve water efficiency, control weeds, and protect crops, leading to better-quality agricultural products. In addition, farmers can produce more food and increase crop yields in a shorter time frame, effectively addressing food security challenges.
Agricultural Plastics: A Hidden Culpritt
Agricultural soils are now known to be sinks for plastic, whose occurrence in soil and agroecosystems varies widely across different regions, as influenced by factors such as population density, industrial activity, and waste management practices. This is largely due to their widespread use in agriculture, including biosolids, stormwater runoff, encapsulated fertilizers, and plastic mulching films. As these plastics degrade, they break down into micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) particles. This fragmentation happens in the soil due to various environmental factors like ultraviolet radiation, temperature, hydrolysis, and microbial activity. Their presence in the soil affects its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Impact on soil is envisaged through the change in soil pH, carbon storage, electrical conductivity, and porosity.
Moreover, these particles block water from soaking into the ground, reduce the soil’s ability to hold water, disrupt beneficial microorganisms, and in that manner decrease soil fertility and negatively impact plant growth. Studies showed that MNPs accumulation in agriculture can lead to pollutant uptake and incorporation by plants, affecting the quality of fruits and vegetables.
The potential risks associated with MNPs exposure in the agrifood sector are significant. Ingestion and biomagnification in some food chains have been shown to occur. Studies have shown that commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, leafy greens, and strawberries can contain harmful MNPs particles. As they enter the food chain, they can accumulate in tissues and organs, with a recent study detecting microplastic particles in human feces and placenta. However, direct evidence for the effects of MNPs on human health is still scarce, and future research in this area is needed to provide quantitative support for assessing the risk of MNPs to human health.
Innovative Alternatives to Plastic in Agriculture
To mitigate the negative effects of plastic use in agriculture, the adoption of sustainable practices in the agricultural sector may have a crucial role, with a focus on:
- Biodegradable Mulch Films
One of the most impactful innovations in sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic mulch is biodegradable mulching films (BMF). BMF are made from materials like starch, cellulose, and other plant-based compounds, but perform similarly to traditional ones in terms of weed suppression, moisture retention, and temperature regulation, but decompose naturally, reducing plastic pollution. By using biodegradable mulch films, farmers can significantly reduce plastic waste while maintaining crop yields and improving soil health. As these films decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, enhancing its fertility.
- Reusable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Farmers
By adopting sustainable practices, such as using reusable and biodegradable materials, farmers can significantly reduce plastic waste in agriculture. Alternatives like fabric pots, compostable planting materials, and recycled plastic irrigation systems offer eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, using durable materials like polycarbonate for greenhouses and implementing water-efficient irrigation systems can further minimize environmental impact.
InPlasTwin Research Focus - MNPs in Sustainable Agriculture
In light of the limited research addressing the release of MNPs following the degradation of mulching films and their effects on edible plants, InPlasTwin’s consortium of six partner institutions (three from the Widening and three from the non-Widening countries) has been established to analyze MNPs in the environment and food, by using the example of investigating the degradability of mulching films and the impact of the released MNPs on the environment and food.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the challenge will be to balance the benefits of plastic use in agriculture with the need for sustainable practices. Integrated approaches that combine technology with eco-friendly materials are likely to gain traction. Also, precision agriculture techniques can optimize plastic usage, ensuring that materials are applied only where necessary.
Moreover, education and awareness initiatives can help farmers understand the importance of proper plastic disposal and recycling programs. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the agricultural sector can continue to leverage the advantages of plastic while minimizing its environmental impact.
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