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Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
Published on: May 10, 2013
Biodegradable plastic mulches: Distinct effects on microbial communities but no impact on soil multifunctionality
Rong Liang1, Lei Mei2, Jina Ding3
1College of Smart Agriculture, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China; State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for the Regulation of Soil Biological Functions and One Health of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|June 19, 2026
Summary
Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) offer environmental benefits but their soil impacts vary. This study found BDMs did not negatively affect soil properties or cabbage yield, with some increasing it, while influencing microbial communities differently.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are promoted as sustainable alternatives to conventional mulches.
- Understanding the ecological effects of diverse BDMs on soil ecosystems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impacts of five poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)-poly (lactic acid) composite BDMs on soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities.
- To assess the ecological implications of BDMs during a cabbage growth season.
Main Methods:
- Field experiment evaluating five specific BDM types (BASF12, Hongrui12, Hongrui14, Britain15, Jialemi15).
- Monitoring soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure (bacteria and fungi).
- Analysis of degradation rates, aging characteristics, and relationships between soil variables and microbial communities.
Main Results:
- BDM application showed no significant negative effects on soil properties or crop yield.
- Cabbage yield increased by 2.59-7.57% compared to no mulching.
- Different BDMs exhibited varying degradation and aging, but soil properties and multifunctionality remained stable; microbial communities, especially fungi, responded distinctly to nutrient availability.
Conclusions:
- BDMs are a viable option with minimal negative soil impact during the growth season.
- Soil nutrient variables, particularly dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen, significantly influenced microbial communities.
- Fungal communities demonstrated greater sensitivity to environmental drivers than bacterial communities, highlighting their ecological relevance.
Keywords:
Biodegradable mulchCabbageDegradation characteristicsMicrobial communityMicrobial nutrient limitationMore Related Videos
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