Agriculture, the source of life, is quietly suffering unprecedented challenges. For a long time, plastic pollution has been like an insurmountable haze, silently eroding our arable land and threatening the very foundation of agricultural productivity. This is not just a reduction in quantity, but a profound warning for food security and ecological balance.
Plastic pollution poses a major threat to soil health and affects ecosystems worldwide. When non-biodegradable plastics are disposed of in landfills or littered, they gradually break down into microplastics. These tiny particles penetrate the soil, disrupting soil structure, reducing water infiltration and impeding nutrient cycling.
The toxins accumulated by microplastics can be absorbed by plants and thus enter the food chain, where humans will be irreversibly harmed by accidental ingestion. Secondly, soil biota such as earthworms and certain microorganisms, which are vital to soil fertility, will also be adversely affected, as they will not be able to adapt to contaminated soils and will lack suitable habitats, leading to a reduction in population size and a change in function.
Therefore, addressing plastic pollution at its source has become imperative to protect agricultural soils, enhance agricultural productivity, and maintain the health of the Earth's ecosystems. This requires us to actively promote sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable materials, reusable packaging solutions, etc. to reduce the reliance on single-use plastic products. At the same time, waste management systems should be strengthened to increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce its access to the natural environment. In addition, strengthening public education and awareness-raising and advocating green consumption and lifestyles are also important ways to alleviate the plastic pollution problem and protect our common home.
