Assessing the Impact of Pesticides on the Agricultural Environment

Dear Colleagues,

Pesticides are increasingly being applied to agricultural crops to increase agricultural productivity and crop yields. Their inappropriate and excessive use has adverse effects on the environment, especially on the soil. Soil is a major component of terrestrial ecosystems and a source of nutrients for plants and various organisms. Soil supports biological processes, prevents the transfer of pollutants and acts as a buffer to protect groundwater and plants from pollution. Soil microorganism communities and soil enzyme activities are considered basic indicators of soil fertility and pollution status. These features respond promptly to environmental changes by reflecting biological changes caused by pollution and contamination. The increase in the use of pesticides has led to water pollution and ecological problems, creating a negative impact on the environment with repercussions on animal and human health. This Special Issue focuses on the impact of pesticides on the environment, particularly on soil microbiota, soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The mechanisms of action and the impact of pesticides on microorganisms, organisms and ecosystems as a whole are still insufficiently studied. With this Special Issue, we hope to uncover new insights into the efficient management of the application of pesticides in agriculture.

Dr. Marioara Nicoleta Caraba
Guest Editor

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• pesticides
• soil science
• soil quality
• microbial diversity
• microbial bioremediation
• plant growing
• crops protection
• risk assessment
• agricultural environmental