Microplastics are found in many different ecosystems in the world today. Due to their widespread distribution, longevity and potential negative impact on living organisms, microplastic pollution is becoming an important environmental issue in a global context. In this thesis we describe the properties of microplastic particles, their origin and their occurrence in soil. We focus on agricultural soils and describe the agrotechnical measures that allow microplastic particles to enter the soil, e.g. irrigation with treated wastewater, fertilisation with organic fertilisers and treated sewage sludge, and covering the soil with various plastic materials. We have described in more detail the effects of microplastics in agricultural soils on the physical properties of the soil and consequently on plant growth, morphological changes and biochemical processes. The properties of the biodegradable materials from which biodegradable microplastics are formed and their effects on soil properties and plants are described. Experiments on the effect of microplastics on the growth and development of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are described in detail.
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