Unseen disruption to plants, soil microbiomes, and ecosystem health by toxic agrochemicals and their sustainable management strategies

Abstract

Uncontrolled use of toxic chemical pesticides in crop production is one of the serious concerns in Bangladesh. Most of the ordinary farmers are not aware of pesticide toxicity, optimal applicable doses, consumer health risks, and their own safety, from acute poisoning to chronic illnesses like cancer. Chemical pesticide toxicity occurs through contamination in soils, plants, food chain contamination, and overall degradation of ecosystem health. Therefore, it is crucial to address this growing hazard and its sustainable management strategies in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to screen the present scenario of agrochemical toxicity and share opinions on their management strategies for sustainable agricultural production and ensure food safety. Advanced studies suggest that the intense use of herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and chemical fertilizers alters soil microbiome structure and functions. These correlated changes inhibit symbiosis of effective microbes, plant growth promotion, disease resilience, nutrient uptake, and abiotic stress tolerance. Therefore, in this commentary article, it is recommended to introduce several cost-effective and eco-friendly sustainable strategies, including microbial bioremediation, bioaugmentation or biostimulation, biofertilizers, and One Health policies to mitigate disruption of plant, soil microbiomes, and ecosystem health.