Today is Earth Day, a chance to reflect on the state of the world and our role within it. How about joining us in the fight against microplastics by doing some ciritzen science?👨🔬
Watch the video below, and download the SoilPlastic app to record sightings of plastics in the soil.
#soilscience
Have you heard about our conference? In Brussels, 16 September 2026, we'll be sharing our research about the impact of microplastics in agricultural soils and the life within it.
You can find the agenda on this link: buff.ly/DjIfhK2
And if you can't make it, join us online.
#soilscience #soils
New research supported by MINAGRIS and others found that UV and tillage abrasion accelerated the fragmentation of plastic film into macro- and microplastics, and that increased soil moisture made some plastic films degrade quicker.
You can read the full paper here: buff.ly/mmZr7rS
#soilscience
Microplastics in different ways interfere with the ability of soil-dwelling creatures to help create healthy soils.
Find out more, including what we can do about it, by coming to our webinar on 30th April 11-12 noon BST/12:00 - 13:00 CET.
buff.ly/VqBpgfB
Earthworms are really important for soil health. But were you aware that microplastics can interfere with their lives and functions?
Our upcoming webinar, presented by Esperanza Huerta Lwanga and Ilaria Negri, explores our research on microplastics, earthworms and other creatures
#microplastics
Following debates on climate and environment in Brussels and at the EU level? (Maybe worried about the EU's push to rip up the laws protecting people and the planet?)
Here's our list of the people and organisations with something interesting to say
Let us know if there's someone else we should add
@minagriseu.bsky.social @desertificationeu.bsky.social
Read the two factsheets outlining the research on this link (scroll down): buff.ly/WVaAL4V.
#microplastics #foodsecurity #agriculture #horizoneu
In various experiments, the research found that it affected above and below ground plant growth that was visible to the eye, and photosynthetic efficiency.
Managing plastic contamination on farms is not just a good thing. It may also be essential to our future food supply.
Microplastic contamination causes harm to ecosystems. But they may also create a problem for food security.
New MINAGRIS research shows the harm done to common salad crops - rocket and lettuce - when microplastics combine with drought conditions (see climate change) and widely used agrochemicals.
Understanding these differences is essential for identifying which materials are truly sustainable in real agricultural environments.
Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/Ge3JOlq
Although plastics appear similar in the field, their different compositions mean they may behave differently in the soil.
Each material can break down at different rates, release different compounds, and interact in distinct ways with soil organisms and agricultural chemicals.
In our latest blog, written by Kat McGinty-Gregor who is our new comms person at Countryside and Community Research Institute👏, we dig into the detail of what conventional and biodegradable plastics we decided to test, as well as their interactions with two specific farm chemicals.
There are lots of different agricultural plastic products on the market, but we can't test them all. Science requires that we focus on specific compositions so that we can conduct thorough and controlled experiments🔬.
Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems – the impacts on soil invertebrates and bees - FREE webinar 30th April, 12 noon CET.
Find out how microplastics disrupt the world of bugs, and what needs to happen to preserve these terrestrial ecosystems.
Register: buff.ly/4elQj4G
#soilscience
We are delighted to have been featured in Plasticulture Magazine this month.
The article explores some of the major research findings emerging from our research on microplastics in agricultural soils: cipa-plasticulture.com/fr/the-plast...
Excited to share our @geoderma.bsky.social paper!
How soil stressors (incl. #plastics) translate into real damage to soil health?
We propose a pathway linking #biodiversity loss → soil functions → #ecosystemservices
doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...
#LCA #Sustainability #Bin2Bean
@minagriseu.bsky.social
Our policy team held our third workshop with farmers in Glinzendolf in February, Farmers were keen to resolve the problems they may face in the future from microplastic contamination.
#soilscience #microplastics
We urgently need to move away from using agricultural plastics. But when we are confronted with the positive value they sometimes have within farming, what can we do? The six principles in our video explain how we can balance reducing the plastic burden while meeting farmers' needs:
So microplastic-induced water repellency interacts with the effects of soil drying as the climate becomes hotter.
Read more about our research here: buff.ly/9uj8ePO
#microplastics #agriculture #horizoneu
In our research, both conventional plastics and a biodegradable (PBAT) showed this effect. However, it was less noticeable with stach-based bioplastics.
Sandy-loam soil exhibited stronger water repellency at lower microplastic concentrations than silty-clay-loam soil. So soil type also matters.
Our research shows microplastics in the soil can increase soil water repellency - in other words, they can make soil resist water.
Soil needs to absorb water to feed crops that we all rely on to feed ourselves. If microplastics prevent this absorption, it threatens food & environmental security.
We interviewed sara guerrini from Novamont about their products, what work they do with MINAGRIS and how they sit within the current innovation economy and governance.
#innovation #bioplastics #horizoneu
Read the interview here: buff.ly/4BUsaM6
Bioplastics are going to become an increasingly important part of agriculture and the economy as awareness grows of the negative impact of microplastics on soils. But what kinds of bioplastics are being produced, how is the market faring, and what does bioplastics innovation need to thrive?
WEBINAR CATCH UP VIDEO 💻 : What happens when microplastics mix with pesticides and veterinary medicines in soil? And what does that mean for soil health and farming?
Find a short write up and the recording here: buff.ly/D7kK00l
#microplastics #soilhealth #soilscience #horizoneu
Not so long ago, it was hard for women to be taken seriously as scientists and academic researchers. Now we are busy solving some of the worlds most pressing problems. Here are just some of the scientists, researchers and policy on our programme, making a difference.
#soilscience #IWD2026
✅ Offer evidence-based strategies for reducing plastic contamination in agricultural soils, including a new AI-powered decision-support tool designed for farmers, policymakers, and industry.
Attending in person is a brilliant way of sharing ideas and being heard.
#soilscience #microplastics
✅ Explore emerging research on the performance of biodegradable alternatives like PBAT and starch-based plastics in agricultural settings.
✅ Feedback from farmers about their on-the-ground experiences with plastic pollution and practical alternatives.
✅ Present new, innovative detection methods that make testing for microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils more accurate.
Reveal the latest data on where microplastics come from and how widespread they are in agricultural soils—including insights from citizen science initiatives.
At the conference, we will:
✅ Share new research on the impacts of micro- & nanoplastics on soil organisms, water repellency & crop contamination.
✅ Show how microplastics & nanoplastics interact with other agricultural pollutants—and how these interactions may affect soil health & crop quality.
