Problem
Misuse of agricultural chemicals
Other Names:
Misuse of poisons in agricultureExcessive use of toxic products in farming
Abuse of agrochemicals
Nature:
Modern agriculture is almost entirely reliant on agricultural chemicals for its levels of productivity. Short-term gains can often be made by over-application or misuse of these chemicals, causing potential long-term damage to the immediate land and neighbouring ecosystems.
Background:
Agrochemicals are chemical substances used in agricultural production including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators; it also includes chemical fertilizers.
Broader Problems:
Misuse of chemicalsExploitative agribusinessAbuse of agricultural techniquesUnethical practices in agriculture Narrower Problems:
Toxic sheep dipsChemical trespassUntested use of hormonesExcessive reliance on mineral fertilizers Aggravates:
Agricultural pollutionEnvironmental plant diseasesToxic household insecticidesUnderutilization of biocontrolAccessibility of toxic materialsLoss of biodiversity in rural areasLoss of beneficial plants and animalsChemical pollutants of the environmentEffluent runoff from agricultural land useHealth risks to workers in agricultural and livestock productionEnvironmental hazards of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices productionUnsustainable short-term improvements in agricultural productivity Strategies:
Taxing use of toxic productsUsing agro-ecosystems in conservation managementDeveloping agricultureReducing soil pollutionReducing use of toxic products in farming Subject(s):
Agriculture, Fisheries → AgricultureAgriculture, Fisheries → Farming
Fundamental Sciences → Chemicals
Industry → Chemical products
Industry → Products
Societal Problems → Maltreatment
Societal Problems → Poison
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
D: Detailed problems Date of last update
15.05.2019 – 21:25 CEST