Knowledge building, analysis & solutions on user perspective, product properties and company competencies

SP 2 (HFR): Survey of application and practices & dialog with agriculture and forestry

The harmful effects of microplastics on the environment and the reduction of agricultural yields are well known, but there is a lack of practices and information on how the input of plastics into the soil can actually be reduced without losing sight of the advantages of their use (such as the reduction of pesticide use through the covering of crops with plastic sheeting). The environmental compatibility of bioplastics as a possible alternative to conventional plastics in agriculture and forestry has not yet been sufficiently researched.

The aim of the project is to raise awareness and knowledge about the sustainable use of (bio-)plastics in agriculture and forestry in order to reduce microplastic pollution in the environment and to protect and maintain the ecosystem services of the soil. To achieve this, it is essential to incorporate the perspectives and experiences of agriculture and forestry into research and development of sustainable solutions. In a process of co-creative knowledge production, the current state of information is to be expanded and structured in such a way that more informed decisions can be made when using plastics. Over a period of two years, the project will initially survey the extent to which agricultural and forestry operators are dealing with the consequences of the use of (bio)plastics and are taking or proposing measures to avoid microplastics in soils and water.