Long-term plastic mulching exacerbates the co-limitation of carbon and phosphorus in farmland by altering physicochemical properties and microbial interactions.

ABSTRACT: Prolonged plastic film mulching causes plastic residue accumulation and microplastic (MP) formation, compromising soil structure and causing contamination. This study examined mulching duration effects (0, 5, 10, 15 years) on soil MPs, physicochemical properties, microbial communities, and nutrient limitations at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm depths in maize soils of western Jilin, China. Mulching duration significantly increased MP abundance. Film-like MPs dominated, progressively fragmenting into smaller sizes over time. Long-term mulching enhanced soil moisture and EC (Electrical Conductivity) but decreased SOC (Soil Organic Carbon) and TN (Total Nitrogen), while increasing TP (Total Phosphorus) and AP (Available phosphorus). Microbial responses diverged: bacterial diversity and network complexi

SUBMITTER: Xu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847442 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature