Do you consider it important to focus on the fight against plastic pollution?

Absolutely, many aspects of daily life generate a large amount of non-biodegradable plastic waste. Although awareness of this issue is gradually growing and we are beginning to see a trend toward reducing its use and disposal, in many cases the alternative is more expensive or simply does not exist. It is essential to raise awareness and encourage both the public and businesses to adopt more sustainable habits and solutions.
 

How can this problem be addressed from your research area ?

In our group on the development new fertilizer formulations in which the nutrients are protected from loss and released gradually without the need for plastic mulch. In this way, we help reduce the use of non-biodegradable polymeric materials in agriculture, promoting more sustainable practices.
 

Are you participating in any project related to this issue? Tell us briefly! If not, what project or idea would you like to implement to tackle plastic pollution?

Currently, the PRETHINKULAR project is evaluating the impact of the use of plastics in agriculture, and how the remains of these plastics age or degrade in the soil. In addition, we are working on several projects that use non-polymeric matrices to include nutrients and biostimulants, while revaluing by-products from the agri-food industry. In the future, one of the projects we are considering is based on the development of fertilizers with biodegradable coatings from the fermentation of organic by-products.

* Marta Fuentes is a researcher at BIOMA Institute. Learn more about her research.