Crop Disaster: Microplastics in Soil Threaten Global Food Supply Chains

A groundbreaking study has revealed that microplastics embedded in agricultural soils severely impair plant photosynthesis, potentially jeopardising food supplies for hundreds of millions worldwide. Research published in India's Nature Sustainability warns that accumulated plastic particles block sunlight absorption, reduce chlorophyll production, and stunt crop growth, thereby threatening staples such as rice, wheat, and maize.

How Microplastics Choke Plant Productivity: The study analysed soil samples from farms across 12 countries, finding that microplastics (particles under 5 mm) form a thin, suffocating layer around plant roots. This barrier limits water and nutrient uptake while reflecting sunlight away from leaves. In controlled tests, the rate of photosynthesis declined by 15–30% in crops that were exposed to microplastic levels similar to those in heavily polluted areas like South Asia and East Africa.

Lead author Dr Mukesh Thakker stated that plastic is essentially starving plants. "Even if they receive adequate water and fertilisers, the disturbance in photosynthesis cascades into smaller leaves, fewer grains, and weaker roots."

A Hunger Crisis in the Making: The report projects yield declines of 10–25% by 2035 in regions reliant on rain-fed agriculture, including parts of India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. Combined with climate-driven droughts, these decreases could push 150 million people into severe food insecurity. "We're robbing vulnerable communities of their nutritional safety net," warned UN agricultural consultant Marco Fernández.

Microplastics: An Invisible Threat to Soil Health: Beyond blocking light, microplastics alter soil microbiology. Toxic additives, such as phthalates, leach into the soil, harming beneficial fungi and bacteria that are critical for plant growth. The study also found microplastics adsorb pesticides, creating "toxic cocktails" that further stress crops.

Solutions: Policy and Innovation: Researchers urge immediate bans on single-use agricultural plastics (e.g., mulch films) and investment in biodegradable alternatives. Trials using mycelium-based mulch and algae polymers show promise. "Without global action, microplastics could render vast farmlands infertile," stressed Dr Thakker.

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