Assessing the Environmental Impact of Plastic Use in Agriculture

Author

Abhishek Kumar Singh, Aryan, Hemendra Singh, Hiten, Deepak, Dr. Shikha Yadav


Abstract

 The use of plastics in modern agriculture has expanded substantially, offering tangible benefits such as increased crop productivity, improved water conservation through drip irrigation, and microclimate regulation via mulching and greenhouse structures. However, the widespread reliance on non-biodegradable polymers—primarily low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—has generated critical environmental challenges. Residual plastic films disintegrate over time into microplastics (<5 mm) and nanoplastics (<1 µm), impairing soil porosity, lowering water retention capacity, and disturbing beneficial soil microbial communities. Furthermore, chemical additives and plasticizers leach into topsoils and groundwater reserves, creating persistent ecological and trophic risks. Open burning of agricultural plastic waste further releases hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere. This paper systematically evaluates the environmental impacts of agricultural plastics, analyzes global usage trends, and examines practical mitigation pathways—including certified soil-biodegradable films, circular recycling models, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and enhanced policy mechanisms to foster sustainable agro-ecosystems.



Keywords

Plastic use, Agriculture, Microplastics, Soil health, Chemical leaching, Biodegradable plastics, Waste management, Circular economy, Environmental sustainability.



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References


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