Across the world’s farmlands, a silent crisis is unfolding, one that rarely makes headlines but could have lasting consequences for soil health, food safety and the future of sustainable farming. Agriculture, long viewed as a steward of land, is increasingly becoming a source of plastic pollution. And, as the pressure to produce more food mounts, the problem is only intensifying.
In 2019, agricultural value chains used an estimated 12.5 million tonnes of plastic in plant and animal production, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This plastic is ubiquitous, from ultra-thin, single-use mulching and silage films to irrigation tubing, greenhouse covers, seedling trays and packaging. These materials are used to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, regulate temperature, and streamline production processes. Together, these applications have come to define the practice of “plasticulture.”
Quick fix tool
Ironically, plasticulture is gaining ground at a time when agriculture is already under duress. Climate change has altered rainfall patterns, increased the frequency of extreme weather events, and made farming less predictable and more input intensive. In this context, plastics offer farmers a quick-fix tool to maintain or boost productivity. But these short-term gains come with long-term environmental costs that can no longer be ignored.
Plastic used on farms rarely makes it into formal recycling systems. Instead, farmers often resort to burning it in open fields or burying it in the soil. Both methods are deeply harmful. Burning releases toxic chemicals into the air, contributing to pollution and respiratory illnesses. Burying, on the other hand, leads to the formation of microplastics—tiny, persistent fragments that embed themselves in the soil, disrupt the microbial life critical to soil fertility and eventually make their way into the food chain.
To understand the scale of the problem, consider this: just one kilogram of thin mulching film can contaminate up to 700 square feet of farmland. And, with the global demand for mulching sheets, greenhouses and silage films projected to rise by almost 50% by 2030, the contamination is set to worsen unless immediate action is taken.
Root of the issue
The root of the issue lies in the prevailing approach to agricultural productivity, where short-term yields are prioritised over long-term soil health and food security. With global food demand only expected to grow, reversing this pattern will require systemic change. Policymakers and producers alike must shift from an extractive mindset to one that values regenerative practices and circular resource use.
Fortunately, viable solutions are emerging. One promising avenue is the development and use of bioplastic materials that are biodegradable, less toxic, and capable of breaking down in the soil through microbial activity. While not a perfect substitute, bioplastics significantly reduce the long-term environmental footprint compared to conventional petroleum-based plastics.
Another approach is to revisit traditional, nature-based methods. For instance, straw or plant residues can be used as natural mulch, offering similar moisture retention and weed suppression benefits without the associated pollution. These organic mulches also enrich the soil as they decompose, enhancing microbial activity and nutrient cycling.
Where the answer lies
Further down the value chain, bioremediation offers hope. This process involves the use of living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or specific plant species – to break down or absorb pollutants from the soil. While still in its early stages of agricultural application, bioremediation holds great promise for detoxifying contaminated lands and restoring soil vitality.
If agriculture is to meet the dual challenge of feeding a growing population and sustaining the health of our ecosystems, tackling plastic pollution must become a priority. The answer lies not in eliminating all plastic use overnight, but in transitioning toward smarter, cleaner alternatives and practices.
We must protect the land that feeds us. That means rethinking the materials we use, the methods we rely on, and the metrics we measure success by. The future of agriculture depends not just on how much we grow – but how responsibly we grow it.
Published on June 9, 2025