Project description

Although the use of plastics in agriculture brings many benefits, it also poses dangers because the fields are polluted by the plastics. The tiny particles of various micro and nano plastics are ingested by various organisms. The uptake can endanger the nutrient cycle, plant growth or biodiversity. One goal of the MINAGRIS project is to research the use and impact of plastics in agriculture and to work out how to use plastics in agriculture in a more sustainable way. The findings will be discussed with farmers, businesses and policy makers and pave the way for the sustainable use of plastics. A cornerstone of the MINAGRIS strategy is to provide an overview of the intentional and unintentional use of plastics in European agriculture and an accurate estimate of the pollution levels of plastics in agricultural soils.

Interim results

In the Austrian case study sites Marchfeld and Alpenvorland 20 farmers were interviewed about the use of and possible contamination with plastics on their farms. Furthermore, soil samples were taken from two fields per farm. These were analyzed for macro- and microplastics.

Benefits for society

MINAGRIS is based on the involvement of stakeholders and the identification of needs, the improvement of awareness of farmers as well as citizens. The project will develop new strategies to reduce plastic pollution.