Microplastics in Agricultural Soils: Sources and Impacts on Soil Plant Systems

Author(s)

Feride Oncan Sumer , M. Resat Sumer ,

Download Full PDF Pages: 09-18 | Views: 10 | Downloads: 3 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23323461

Volume 10 - February 2026 (02)

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are becoming an increasingly widespread, persistent pollutant within agricultural soils, where intentional or primary sources (biosolids, coated fertilizers, irrigation water, agrochemicals) and unintentional or secondary sources infiltrate growing systems. Alarmingly, International studies indicate agricultural soils now contain more MPs than marine environments where in a relative comparison, little is known about where they end up MPs are displaced horizontally by wind and surface runoff while more vertical movement occurs through infiltration, soil biota and wet dry cycles, all compounding the possibility of accumulation over the entire soil profile. Therefore, a critical review is conducted to accumulate what information exists in the literature currently on the sources and frequencies of MPs in agricultural soils as well as the fate and transport of MPs in these systems and their impacts on physical soil properties and soil-plant relations. Particles and most prevalently fibers and fragments impact bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity and aggregate stability in various ways mediated highly by particle size, particle shape, polymer type, polymer makeup, and concentration. Unfortunately, less than favorable outcomes are associated with fragmenting soil structure, decreasing plant available water capacity, changing microbiomes and shifting biogeochemical cycling, all impacting plant growth and physiological function. While detection and extraction techniques are on the rise in scientific communities at rapid rates, little is known about MP distribution, fragmentation and ecological exposure risk in agroecosystems due to prolonged exposure overtime. Thus, this review highlights gaps in knowledge for future study while offering a solid foundation to support future investigations into MP contamination in agricultural soils, as no ecosystem can thrive without healthy soil for crops. Thus, pervasive pollution must be understood

Keywords

microplastics, soil properties, plant 

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