Influence of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on soil health and soil microbiology

Under the global scenario of burgeoning population it is imperative to ensure food security by increasing crop production. There is increasing concern, however, that agricultural intensification leads to large-scale ecosystem degradation and loss of productivity by hampering the soil health in the long term. Further, application of excessive fertilizers and pesticides to improve crop production has negative environmental implications, including soil degradation, enhanced greenhouse gas emissions, accumulation of pesticides, and decline in the availability and quality of water. It is important to develop a sound understanding of the fate of a pesticide, particularly in soils where the microbial communities interact with plants to accomplish functions supporting a number of ecosystem services. Synthetic fertilizer application begins the destruction of soil biodiversity by suppressing the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and enhancing the role of everything that feeds on nitrogen. These feeders then amplify the decomposition of organic matter and humus. As organic matter decreases, the physical structure of soil changes. These changes lead to modulations in various associated soil physiological processes. However, there are several contradicting reports on abovementioned negative impacts of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Therefore the present chapter intends to understand the interaction of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers with soil microbiome and soil processes.