Agrochemicals, microbes and the environment

Humans have significantly altered the planet, converting over a third of ice-free land to farmland and 1% to urban areas. Within cities, wild spaces have been transformed into sports fields, parks, and gardens, all carefully managed to ensure desired plants thrive. To achieve this, we use agrochemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, which come at a high environmental cost. Their production, transport, and use contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Fertilizers can be converted into potent gases by soil microbes, while pesticides may degrade, preventing accumulation. However, both can contaminate rivers, lakes, oceans, and drinking water. In the future, microbes may offer sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives for plant health, reducing the environmental impact of agrochemical use and supporting sustainable development goals.