Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 118-128 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 118 Research Insight Open Access Pesticide Usage in Rice Cultivation: Consequences for Soil and Water Health Ruchun Chen, Qifu Zhang Hier Rice Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: qifu.zhang@hitar.org Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0013 Received: 07 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 14 May, 2024 Published: 28 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen and Zhang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen R.C., and Zhang Q.F.., 2024, Pesticide usage in rice cultivation: consequences for soil and water health, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(3): 118-128 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0013) Abstract As global food demand continues to grow, the use of pesticides in rice cultivation has become a common practice to ensure high yields. However, the widespread application of these chemicals has significantly impacted soil and water health. This study provides an overview of the history and evolution of pesticide use in rice cultivation, explores the functions and application patterns of different types of pesticides, and further analyzes their effects on soil health. Through case studies, the study highlights the long-term impacts of pesticide use on soil in certain rice-producing regions. Pesticides entering water bodies through runoff and leaching can have significant negative effects on water quality. These chemicals, once in rivers, lakes, and groundwater, can lead to water pollution, degrade water quality, and consequently threaten the health of aquatic ecosystems. This study aims to systematically assess the environmental consequences of pesticide use in rice cultivation, particularly its impact on soil and water health, to fill the existing knowledge gaps and provide scientific evidence for the development of more sustainable agricultural practices. Keywords Pesticide use; Rice cultivation; Soil health; Water quality; Environmental impact 1 Introduction Pesticides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, particularly in rice cultivation, where they are extensively used to combat various pests and diseases that threaten crop yields. Despite their benefits in enhancing productivity, the persistent and excessive use of pesticides has led to significant environmental concerns. Pesticides often contaminate soil and water ecosystems, posing risks to non-target organisms and human health (Sharma et al., 2019; Tiwari et al., 2019). For instance, studies have shown that pesticides can disrupt soil biodiversity, affect microbial communities, and lead to the bioaccumulation of toxic residues in the environment (Tang and Maggi, 2021; Onorati et al., 2022). The continuous application of pesticides such as chlorpyrifos has been observed to impact soil microbes and nematodes adversely, highlighting the need for safer pesticide practices. Rice is a fundamental staple food for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in Asia and developing countries. It is not only a primary source of nutrition but also a critical component of food security and economic stability for millions of rural households (Selvaraj et al., 2014; Wong and Brown, 2020). The crop's importance is underscored by its extensive cultivation across diverse agro-climatic zones, making it a vital agricultural commodity. The phrase "rice is life" aptly captures its significance in countries like India, where it supports the livelihoods of millions and plays a pivotal role in the national food security strategy. This study reviews the extent and pattern of pesticide application in rice fields, assesses the environmental impacts of pesticide residues on soil and aquatic ecosystems and the potential risks of pesticide contamination to non-target organisms and human health, and proposes sustainable practices and policy recommendations to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide use in rice cultivation. By addressing these objectives, this study aims to contribute to the broader discussion on sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, providing insights that can inform better rice cultivation management practices and policy frameworks.
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