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 Wang
More information about Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang here
Sino-UK agricultural plastics project link
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong.
Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos
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