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Related Concept Videos

The Soil Ecosystem02:23

The Soil Ecosystem

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Plants obtain inorganic minerals and water from the soil, which acts as a natural medium for land plants. The composition and quality of soil depend not only on the chemical constituents but also on the presence of living organisms. In general, soils contain three major components:
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Bioremediation00:46

Bioremediation

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Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry01:27

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Microorganisms play a crucial role in agriculture and the food industry, contributing to soil fertility, crop protection, and food production. Their functions range from nitrogen fixation and biopesticide production to fermentation and food preservation, making them indispensable to sustainable farming and food safety.Role in AgricultureNitrogen-fixing bacteria, such as Rhizobium (symbiotic) and Azotobacter (free-living), convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia through biological nitrogen...
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Microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance by recycling essential elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as supporting processes like bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.Microbes in Elemental CyclesIn the carbon cycle, microorganisms decompose organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide via aerobic respiration. This carbon dioxide is subsequently used by photosynthetic organisms to synthesize organic compounds, closing the...
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Unlike carbon, water, and nitrogen, phosphorus is not present in the atmosphere as a gas. Instead, most phosphorus in the ecosystem exists as compounds, such as phosphate ions (PO43-), found in soil, water, sediment and rocks. Phosphorus is often a limiting nutrient (i.e., in short supply). Consequently, phosphorus is added to most agricultural fertilizers, which can cause environmental problems related to runoff in aquatic ecosystems.
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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils
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Separation and Identification of Conventional Microplastics from Farmland Soils

Published on: March 21, 2025

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Agricultural plastic pollution reduces soil function even under best management practices.

Ekta Tiwari1, Seeta Sistla1

  • 1Department of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA.

PNAS Nexus
|October 23, 2024
PubMed
Summary

Agricultural plastic mulch use contaminates soil, impacting soil moisture, microbial activity, and nutrient levels even at low concentrations. Improved management practices are crucial to protect soil health and farm productivity.

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Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies
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Forming Micro-and Nano-Plastics from Agricultural Plastic Films for Employment in Fundamental Research Studies

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Soil plastic contamination poses risks to environmental health and food security.
  • Plastic films used as agricultural mulches are a primary source of soil plastic pollution.
  • The biogeochemical effects of plastic accumulation in low-contamination regions are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess plastic contamination and its biogeochemical impacts in California Central Coast farms using best management practices.
  • To investigate the relationship between macroplastic and microplastic accumulation and soil functions.

Main Methods:

  • Soil sampling across farms in the California Central Coast.
  • Quantification of macroplastic and microplastic contamination.
  • Analysis of soil moisture, microbial activity, available phosphate, and soil carbon.

Main Results:

  • All sampled farms showed surface soil plastic contamination.
  • Macroplastic contamination positively correlated with microplastic levels.
  • Macroplastic accumulation negatively correlated with soil moisture, microbial activity, available phosphate, and soil carbon, even at low levels.

Conclusions:

  • Subtle declines in soil quality indicators were observed with low-level macroplastic accumulation.
  • Current best management practices may not be sufficient to prevent negative soil impacts.
  • Improved plasticulture practices are needed to mitigate threats to soil health and agricultural productivity.