Microplastics in Soil: Agriculture and Food Security

Microplastics are accumulating in agricultural soil. Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang of China Agricultural University explain how plastic mulch, atmospheric deposition, and other sources introduce microplastics and nanoplastics into farmland. Host Clark Marchese asks what current research can tell us about soil health, crops, earthworms, bacteria, nutrient cycling, and agricultural yields. Because many effects remain uncertain, the episode distinguishes evidence from open questions while exploring the difficult balance between the benefits of agricultural plastics and their potential risks to food security.Episode Guests: Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai WangMore information about Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang hereSino-UK agricultural plastics project linkMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.