Sustainable production of healthy, affordable food in the<scp>UK</scp>: The pros and cons of plasticulture

Cusworth, Samuel J.; Davies, W. J.; McAinsh, Martin Robert

doi:10.1002/fes3.404

Cited by 9 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Whilst the success of these crop production systems in the United Kingdom cannot be entirely attributed to developments in polymer science and an increased uptake of agriplastics, the use of crop covers continues to be instrumental in providing protection against pests, disease and suppress weed growth. The use of plastics is deeply embedded in UK crop production systems and is likely to increase in the future following stricter resource regulations and the observed and expected impacts of climate change (Biesbroek et al, 2010; Cusworth et al, 2022). Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the threat to international food chains, boosting and at the least, maintaining domestic food production is critical to safeguard food security and improve food system resilience (House of Commons, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Plasticulture, the use of plastics in agriculture, is a globally important practice, originally introduced to extend the period of crop production and food availability and reduce the cost of agricultural infrastructure during the late 1940s (Le Moine & Ferry, 2019). Whilst most plastics in the agricultural sector are used for crop production-greenhouses, polytunnels, mulch films and irrigation-the use of plastic extends to the transportation, protection and storage within the industry (Cusworth et al, 2022). In modern agricultural systems, the benefits that agriplastics provide within crop production systems include improved water-use efficiency, temperature control during key periods of crop development, weed suppressant, and disease and pest protection, with the aim of extending the production window and improving crop yield and quality (FAO, 2021;Harrison & Hester, 2018;Orzolek, 2017;Steinmetz et al, 2016).…”

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confidence: 99%

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A nationwide assessment of microplastic abundance in agricultural soils: The influence of plastic crop covers within the United Kingdom

Cusworth,

Davies,

McAinsh

et al. 2023

Plants People Planet

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Societal Impact StatementAgricultural soils are substantial receptors of plastic pollution. Plastic crop covers, a facet of agriplastics, may represent an important contribution to microplastic load in agricultural soils. The authors present a nationwide study of agricultural soils in the United Kingdom, comparing microplastic load between sites where plastic crop covers are and are not used for carrot and potato production. Sites where plastic crop covers were used received a higher microplastic load compared with sites where no plastic crop cover was used. The effects of microplastic pollution are largely unknown, requiring further research to determine the impact on soil, crop and human health.Summary Agricultural soils are substantial receptors of plastic pollution, with agriplastics potentially making an important contribution to the overall microplastic load to agricultural soils. The intensive use and mismanagement of plastic crop covers, particularly plastic mulch films, nets and fleeces, represent a pollution pathway. In this study, we have analysed the microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils in 324 samples from 108 sites across the United Kingdom, where carrots or potatoes were grown, using a combined digestion and density separation method. Microplastics were stained with Nile Red and quantified using fluorescence microscopy. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 1320 to 8190 particles kg−1, with a mean of 3680 ± 129.1 particles kg−1. Where no plastic crop covers were used for potato and carrot production, a mean of 2667 ± 84.1 particles kg−1 were detected. At sites where plastic crop covers were used in the past 10 years, a mean of 4689 ± 147.1 particles kg−1 were recorded. There was a significant difference in microplastic abundance between sites where plastic crop covers were and were not used (p ≤ 0.001), confirming that plastic crop covers are an important source of microplastics to agricultural soils. Further studies are needed to investigate microplastic occurrence in the environment to better understand their impact on soil, crops and human health.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%