Influence of pesticides on soil microorganisms

Abstract

Plant protection agents (pesticides) are products of chemical or biological origin, intended for the prevention, suppression and destruction of organisms harmful to cultivated plants (pests, pathogens and weeds) and are intensively used in agriculture and forestry. Decades of systematic and improper application of pesticides caused their accumulation in the environment and, through the food chain, pesticides also accumulated in living organisms, where they exhibit negative biological effects. Pesticides exhibit their biological effects on the members of all biocenosis, including the community of microorganisms (microbiocenosis), and especially on soil microorganisms.