Impact of Plastics on Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural plastics are important implements for the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of vegetables and other specialty crop production systems. Mulch films, low and high tunnels, silage films, and other plastic materials help increase crop production by controlling the cultivation environment, extending the growing season, preventing weeds, and reducing the use of irrigation water, fertilizer, and other inputs. However, increased plastic use has led to the stockpiling of poorly biodegradable conventional plastics such as polyethylene on farms or other improper disposal, which leads to the formation of microplastics that can induce “plastic pollution” in soil and nearby waterways, having a negative impact on soil health and water quality, thereby posing a threat to food production systems. Even the employment of biodegradable plastics, particularly in mulch films, which provides more sustainable plastic disposal options (biodegradation in soil or by composting), produces microplastics that can reside for several months.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the current state of the art of agricultural plastics. We welcome research, perspectives, and review articles pertaining to agricultural plastics: new products and applications, improved best practices for their deployment and disposal, the upcycling of plastics after the completion of their service life, and their impacts on agricultural ecosystems and farmers.

Prof. Dr. Douglas Hayes
Guest Editor

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