How to Balance the Yield Benefits of Agricultural Plastics with Pollution Risks?
Plastic film covering farmland, greenhouse structures for light and heat retention, and irrigation pipes for precise water delivery--these common agricultural scenarios have made agricultural plastics the "invisible assistants" of modern farming. Data shows that China is the largest consumer of agricultural plastics globally, with the usage of agricultural films reaching 1.34 million tons in 2022, covering over 17.5 million hectares. This has significantly contributed to increased food production and farmer income. However, if these plastics are not disposed of properly after their use, they can remain in the soil and gradually break down into microplastics, threatening soil health, crop safety, and even the human food chain. How can we address the issue of "white pollution" caused by agricultural plastics while ensuring food security? Professor Ji Ma from China Agricultural University and his colleagues have provided insights into this issue through a review paper that systematically e