Microplastic pollution is increasingly recognized as a pervasive contaminant in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly agricultural soils where plastics from mulching, irrigation, and waste application accumulate. Microplastics alter soil physical properties, interact with microbial communities, and may influence nutrient cycling processes critical to soil fertility and ecosystem functioning. This review synthesizes current evidence on microplastic occurrence in agricultural soils, mechanisms by which microplastics affect soil microbiota, and their impact on nutrient cycling, including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus dynamics. Evidence indicates that microplastics can shift microbial community composition, reduce microbial diversity, and affect functional guilds involved in decomposition and nutrient transformations. Additionally, microplastics may adsorb or release organic matter, pollutants, and nutrients, further influencing microbial activity. Despite emerging insights, knowledge gaps remain regarding microplastic type-specific effects, long-term impacts, and interactions with agricultural practices such as fertilizer application and tillage. Addressing these gaps is critical to developing management strategies that mitigate microplastic impacts while maintaining soil health. This review highlights research directions, methodological approaches, and the importance of integrating microplastic pollution into soil ecosystem monitoring to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity.
