Microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. These tiny plastic particles, often less than 5 millimetres in size, can be found ubiquitously in soils, sediments, and even in the air. They originate from various sources such as the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads in personal care products, and so on. Once in the soil, microplastics can disrupt soil structure, affecting water retention and nutrient cycling, thus impairing the growth and health of plants. Moreover, they can be ingested by soil-dwelling organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification along the food chain, ultimately posing risks to both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential transfer of microplastics to crops consumed by humans, raising questions about their impact on human health.

This month, our cover story on 'microplastics in agroecosystems' highlights that in the recent years, the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution has expanded its reach beyond the oceans and into the heart of our agroecosystems that is raising profound concerns about the long-term sustainability of our food production systems. Plastics are used extensively in farming, ranging from plastic-coated fertilizers to mulch films, contaminating the soil, and subsequently threatening food security. Terrestrial ecosystems do act as a sink for microplastic accumulation, which poses a major environmental as well as health risk.  Microplastics have a long-term adverse impact on the agroecosystems affecting soil biodiversity. Harmful chemicals released from microplastics can seep deep into the groundwater and other surrounding water sources contaminating them. 

The presence of microplastics in agroecosystems underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate their impacts and safeguard the overall ecosystem through sustainable agriculture. The pollution emerging from plastic-coated agrochemicals is appalling but is preventable through compliance with a comprehensive global approach to plastics regulation. Addressing microplastic pollution in terrestrial environments requires concerted efforts to reduce plastic waste generation, improve waste management practices, and develop sustainable alternatives to plastic products. Limiting the production and use of agroplastics and agrochemicals is an imperative to protect human health and ensure safe as well as consumption-worthy food produces.

I genuinely believe that the articles featured in this edition of TerraGreen will strike a chord with our readers. Your insightful suggestions have undoubtedly enriched the publication. I wholeheartedly encourage you to share your thoughts and invaluable inputs and join the effort towards transferring research findings and sustainable solutions within your network for the common good.