Agricultural Plastic Films and Mulch

Agricultural plastic mulch films inflict severe soil contamination across China, with over 6 million tonnes applied annually to boost crop yields. These thin polyethylene sheets fragment into persistent microplastics that reduce soil porosity, lowering yields by up to 20%. They are 30% lighter than runner-up construction waste, making them far more mobile and likely to enter waterways via irrigation. Unlike plastic sachets concentrated in urban areas, mulch films spread across vast rural landscapes, making cleanup unfeasible. They cost farmers more in lost productivity than the purchase price. This source exceeds the average agricultural pollution impact of other nations, cementing its role as a hidden mass contributor.