Effects of pesticides on soil organic matter: a mini-review

Sağliker, Hüsniye Aka (2025) Effects of pesticides on soil organic matter: a mini-review. In: Fenntartható Tájgazdálkodási Tudományos Műhely konferenciája 2025 : Innovatív megoldások a XXI. század mezőgazdaságában. Nyíregyházi Egyetem, Műszaki és Agrártudományi Intézet, Nyíregyháza, pp. 66-69.

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Abstract

Pesticides are natural synthetic chemical substances used extensively in agriculture to control of pests such as insects, weeds, and plant diseases. These chemicals are categorized based on the some type of pest. Some of them target including herbicides (for herbs), insecticides (against insects), fungicides (against fungal diseases). The application of pesticides provides several significant benefits, including improved food quality and crop yields, as well as the reduction of pest-borne diseases. Despite these advantages, the widespread use of pesticides has raised concerns regarding their environmental impact, particularly with respect to water contamination and the long-term health of ecosystems (Jablonowski et al., 2011; Geissen et al., 2015; Schlappi et al., 2020; Rasool et al., 2022). The fertilities and behaviors of all pesticides in soil are influenced by various environmental and climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, and key soil properties. Among these, soil texture and organic matter content are the most critical physicochemical factors affecting pesticide retention, degradation, and mobility (Flury, 1996; Gavrilescu, 2005; Sharma et al., 2012). Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a pivotal role in the retention and adsorption of pesticides within the soil, particularly in the root zone where pesticide absorption by plants occurs. Practices aimed at enhancing soil organic matter content, such as the incorporation of cover crops, or the addition of organic amendments like compost and manure, have been shown to significantly improve soil health. These practices increase the soil's capacity to retain both water and dissolved pesticides, making them more readily available for plant uptake and microbial degradation. As a result, the risk of pesticide leaching into groundwater is minimized, thus promoting more sustainable agricultural practices (Flury, 1996; Gavrilescu, 2005; Celis et al., 2008). However, the use of pesticides is not without its challenges. While they offer substantial benefits in pest management, their impact on soil organic matter and soil microbial communities is of growing concern. The interaction between pesticides and soil health, particularly the mechanisms through which they influence soil organic matter dynamics, requires further investigation. Understanding these interactions will be critical in developing soil management practices that mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide use while ensuring the continued efficacy of pest control methods (Makszim and Soós, 2025). In conclusion, while pesticides are indispensable for modern agriculture, their environmental implications, particularly in relation to soil health and organic matter dynamics, need careful consideration. Future research should focus on identifying practices that balance effective pest control with sustainable soil management, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

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