Revised sentence: Plastic mulching film plays a significant role in modern agricultural production. However, traditional plastic mulching film can result in residual film pollution and associated hazards. In contrast, degradable mulching film offers a fundamental solution to the problem of residual film pollution. This paper describes the classification of degradable plastic films and their effects on soil microorganisms, including four known types of biodegradable plastic films. Furthermore, it clarifies the impact of degradable plastic films on soil microbial biomass, soil respiration intensity, and microbial community structure. To compare the efficiency of agricultural production between degradable and traditional plastic films more intuitively, this study aims to identify both advantages and disadvantages of using degradable plastics for future production.