Green Junction - The Plastic Beneath Our Feet
In the late 1950s, plastic films began to replace paper and other nature-based materials in agriculture and landscaping. Mostly classified as mulch, these materials are applied directly on soils for different purposes: protection of seedlings and young plants, reduction of soil moisture, control of weed growth and prevention of soil erosion. For many years, landscaping practices have routinely used plastic netting in seeding for grass growth. Unfortunately, these practices pollute the soil, air and nearby water as the plastic breaks into smaller pieces (microplastics) over time. The report from a recent scientific study states “Plastic mulch films are one of the main sources of microplastic pollution in agroecosystems.”
Numerous scientific studies have evaluated the effects of microplastics in soil. Plastic particles affect the texture of the soil and I have witnessed this change in soil in my backyard garden soil that was contaminated with microplastics. I found that the soil clumped around pieces of plastic. Another critical change is that microbial communities are different in soils contaminated with plastic. In the presence of plastics, the ability of soil to hold water and exchange air changes. Overall, plant growth can be disrupted, and a recent study measured a reduction in photosynthesis.
A 2025 study called “The plastic footprint of U.S. agriculture” estimated that the industry uses 1.56 million tons of plastic each year, which is 2.7% of all plastic domestic use. While the farming practice of using thin films to improve crop yield by inhibiting weed growth has benefits for food production, many plastics in planting and landscaping are not critical, just convenient. Plants are mostly sold in plastic containers, but some businesses have programs for the return and reuse of these containers. Growing grass can be accomplished without plastic netting, natural materials can replace plastics in landscaping, and consumers can choose sturdier, metal gardening tools. Non-plastic pots are options and large volumes of soil and mulch can be purchased in bulk, instead of in plastic bags. Our earth and the health of its soil depends on good choices that consider the problems with plastic pollution.