Impact of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiota and Management: A Review

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in developing nations, there are three million cases of agrochemical poisoning. The prolonged intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals adversely affected the soil biodiversity, agricultural sustainability, and food safety, bringing in long-term harmful effects on nutritional security, human and animal health. Most of the agrochemicals negatively affect soil microbial functions and biochemical processes. The alteration in diversity and composition of the beneficial microbial community can be unfavorable to plant growth and development either by reducing nutrient availability or by increasing disease incidence. Currently, there is a need for qualitative, innovative, and demand-driven research in soil science, especially in developing countries for facilitating of high-quality eco-friendly research by creating a conducive and trustworthy work atmosphere, thereby rewarding productivity and merits. Hence, we reviewed (1) the impact of various agrochemicals on the soil microbial diversity and environment; (2) the importance of smallholder farmers for sustainable crop protection and enhancement solutions, and (3) management strategies that serve the scientific community, policymakers, and land managers in integrating soil enhancement and sustainability practices in smallholder farming households. The current review provides an improved understanding of agricultural soil management for food and nutritional security.

Effect of Mechanical and Herbicide Treatments on Weed Densities and Biomass in Two Potato Cultivars

“…In conditions of higher humidity, herbicide uptake increases because the used liquid evaporates more slowly from the leaf surface, and, as a consequence, there is a greater amount of agent that can penetrate plant tissues [1,42]. In addition, in conditions of high humidity, the movement of the herbicide in the plant from its penetration to the site of action is much faster than in the case of low humidity [43][44][45][46]. However, as suggested by Lavlesh et al [5], with excessive humidity, there may be a danger of greater herbicide leaching, faster root uptake, and, therefore, increased plant toxicity.…”

The Effect of Pesticides on the Microbiome of Animals

“…In modern studies [32][33][34], the bacterial composition of soils is used as one of the important indicators of the negative consequences of pesticides usage. Pesticides have been shown to act on bacteria that fix nitrogen [35], cause changes in plant probiotic soil microflora [36] and total soil microbial diversity [37]. It is little-known about the effect of fungicides on the bacterial community of the soil.…”

Enantiomers of Carbohydrates and Their Role in Ecosystem Interactions: A Review

“…These metabolites include proline, sucrose, polyols, and trehalose ( Figure 1), and they protect the plant under stress conditions by conserving the cellular function of plant. Many reports have suggested the role of osmolytes in drought [38], predator, and pesticide stress [39][40][41] Figure 2 represents the structure of some osmolytes. Accumulation of myo-inositol indicates membrane disintegration due to air pollution [42].…”