Effects of Pesticide Residues on Soil Biodiversity and Enzymatic Activities in Cotton Fields

Abstract

Another common activity in the cotton farming is pesticide use to control the pests and achieve high production. Nevertheless, the constant and heavy application of pesticides may contribute to the build-up of pesticides in the soil that will have negative consequences on the biodiversity and enzyme activities of soil which are important pointers to the stability of the soil and its fertility. The paper examines how pesticides residues affect the soil microbial community and vital enzymatic activities in cotton fields in Punjab, Pakistan. The samples of the soils of different fields with a different history of the pesticide application were taken and analyzed as to the concentration of the residual pesticides, microbial diversity through culture-based and molecular methods, and enzymatic activities such as dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase. Findings indicated that an increase in pesticide residues was associated with a decrease in microbial diversity, inhibition of helpful microbial groups, and enzymatic activity, which means that the soil is dysfunctional. These results highlight the ecological threat posed by excess use of pesticides and why integrated pest management approach should be adopted to ensure sustainable soil in cotton agroecosystem.