We have conducted large scale sampling surveys to assess the quantities and types of macro-, micro- and nano-plastics found in soils from typical cropping systems. The samples will also be analysed for the presence of plastic co-contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals and dyes. The surveys will be complemented by data from existing on-farm Long Term field Experiments (LTEs), and new field experiments have been set up in all countries to directly measure the effect of adding plastics to soil on physical, chemical and biological soil quality indicators (WP2). 

The focus of WP3 is to investigate the levels of plastics and co-contaminants that are present in soils in the soil sample survey area, and in soils in the WP2 experiments. The potential for direct uptake of plastics by plants will be assessed in mesocosm experiments where particles of 14C-labelled plastic will be applied to soil.  

More information about individual studies can be found below:

Soil survey

The aim of the soil survey is to establish the amounts and types of plastics found in soils which have previously received mulch film. Forty farms were selected in each country with a range of crop and soil types. At each farm, information was collected about crop species, cultivation methods and use of mulch film and other potential sources of plastic such as fertilizers, composts and sewage sludge. Soil samples were taken from cropping areas and separated by depth (0-10, 10-20, 20-30 cm) prior to extraction of microplastics.

Collecting survey data from a farmer in Vietnam

Multi-country mulch film common experiment

Atmospheric deposition of microplastics

Plastic mulch films as a source of additives in agricultural soils