Projects per year
Abstract
Due to the widely use of plastic mulch in agriculture, plastic residues in the soil are threatening soil quality. In this thesis, we assessed the effects of macro and micro sized plastic residues from polyethylene and biodegradable plastic mulch films on the soil-plant system, by investigating their effects on plant growth, rhizosphere microflora, soil physicochemical properties and soil functions.
Overall, this thesis provided experimental evidence that plastic mulch film residues affected physical, chemical and biological processes in the soil-plant system. Despite the lack of knowledge, it is clear with the incipient evidence that both macroplastics and microplastics derived from LDPE and biodegradable plastic mulch films could be detrimental to agricultural productivity, soil biodiversity and soil biogeochemical cycles. Moreover, the insights developed during this PhD research are a valuable contribution to a framework for the systematic analysis of the effects of microplastics on the soil-plant system and a holistic approach to study interrelated physical, chemical and biological processes in the agroecosystem.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 8 Dec 2020 |
Place of Publication | Wageningen |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 9789463955614 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 8 Dec 2020 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Microplastics in the agroecosystem: effects of plastic mulch film residues on the soil-plant system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Press/Media
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Biodegradable plastics pollute agricultural land too
Qi, Y.
14/01/21 → 15/01/21
2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Research › Professional
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Phosphorus fertilization and soil organic carbon stabilization
Qi, Y. (PhD candidate), Geissen, V. (Promotor) & Yang, X. (Co-promotor)
1/10/16 → 8/12/20
Project: PhD