Microplastics in Soil Threaten Crop Yields and Ecosystem Health

Recent research published in Nature Climate Change reveals that microplastics in agricultural soils can significantly disrupt soil health, leading to reduced crop productivity and altered microbial communities. The study employed field experiments across multiple growing seasons, using plots with varying concentrations of microplastics to measure changes in soil health indicators and crop yields. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved waste management practices to mitigate microplastic contamination, which poses a direct threat to food security and agricultural sustainability. This research highlights the broader environmental impact of microplastics beyond marine ecosystems, emphasizing their role in terrestrial environments.