Abuses of pesticides ravage soil dwelling insects and soil health in Bangladesh

Abstract: 2019 Agricultural production is increasing to meet the demands of the growing global population, which led to a parallel rise in chemical pesticide use. Global pesticide consumption in 2022 reached 3.7 million tons of active ingredients, representing a 4% increase from 2021, a 13% increase over the past decade, and nearly double since 1990. Insect pests such as crickets, cutworms, termites, white grubs, and cucumber beetles can severely reduce crop yield. Soil-dwelling insects like ants, dung beetles, ground beetles and collembolan springtails are vital for ecosystem functioning, enhancing bioturbation, soil health, nutrient cycling, decomposition, aeration, organic matter breakdown, fungal dispersion, and natural pest control. Without these hexapods, soil ecosystem services decline, negatively impacting plant growth and productivity. Farmers manage pest infestations using various pesticide classes, including organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, organochlorines, neonicotinoids, and biological pesticides applying through seed treatment, spraying, soil application, drip irrigation, fogging, fumigation and post-harvest treatment. Many organophosphates, carbamates, and organochlorines are banned by the world health organization (WHO) due to their classification as highly hazardous pesticides. Despite widespread use, less than 0.1% of applied pesticides reach target pests, while 99.9% contaminate soil, water, and the environment. Nearly 50% of pesticides persist in soil or water due to their prolonged half-life, resulting detrimental effect on beneficial soil insects and a reduction in soil fertility. Continuous exposure of soil ecosystems to such pesticides threatens biodiversity and diminishes the capacity of soil to support healthy crop growth. 

Keywords: Hazardous pesticides, pesticide use, agricultural productivity, soil-dwelling insects, soil health