The Good, The Bad, and The Microplastic:

According to a recent study, controlled-release fertilizers can also release microplastics into US croplands. This growing trend in American agriculture is raising questions about soil contamination and the safety of the US food supply. The report by the University of Missouri discovered that common types of these fertilizers are usually wrapped in plastic. When dispersed in fields, they break down into smaller pieces, becoming microplastic.

A Little Plastic goes a Long Way:

Microplastics are small shards of plastic that can originate from consumer goods or from larger plastics breaking down. They contain numerous plastic chemicals that can potentially pose serious health risks, such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. This substance has been found in the human body and is associated with risks including heart attack, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, it remains unclear as to what other chemicals may be in the fertilizer plastic. Studies have found it in an array of foods, including produce. 

Going Down to Size:

A worrisome detail is that the plastic pieces from these fertilizers can break down into tiny particles in the soil due to actions as simple as a tractor passing over them or perhaps even when walked upon. This is concerning because smaller particles can more easily traverse the environment than larger ones. While the majority of the microplastics remain in the soil, rain or irrigation processes can wash some into nearby water sources.

Food for Thought:

There is increasing apprehension about the potential impact on food safety with microplastics being taken up by crops and possibly reducing the quality of soil. Nevertheless, this issue can be tackled with the use of controlled-release fertilizers encapsulated with biodegradable materials. As for now, since the plastic versions work well, the industry seems to be settling with them.

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