Exploring the Impact of Agricultural Pesticides on Soil Microbes: A Comprehensive Review

Document Type : Review papers

Authors

1 Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

2 UDRP – Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Crop Productivity, D/A Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

3 Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

4 Entomology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

5 Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

6 Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

7 Irrigation and Water Management Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

8 Plant Physiology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

Abstract

The rapidly increasing population and the increasing demand for food crops have necessitated the extensive use of chemical pesticides, which is a cause for environmental concern. Pesticides play a crucial role in contemporary farming practices; however, their widespread application can significantly damage beneficial microorganisms in the soil. This review synthesised recent research on the harmful effects of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides on soil microbes in agricultural lands. The study examined the ability of these microbes to break down pesticide residues in soil. Many factors, such as the soil's chemical and physical properties, how the soil is managed, the type and makeup of the pesticides, the activity of specific genes or proteins in the microbes, and the different conditions in the soil, all affect how pesticides are broken down. Microorganisms can use pesticides as sources of energy or nutrients, reducing their harmful impacts on the soil over time. Given that it is an evolving area of research, it is essential to accelerate further research on the microbial breakdown of pesticides. A thorough literature review of the impacts of pesticides on soil microenvironments might assist in identifying future research topics. This review article illustrated the neglected vital sciences research areas that deserve further investigation.

Keywords

Main Subjects