Pesticides reducing crop yields by as much as 1/3

In June 12th, 2007 issue of National Academy of Sciences, a team of scientists explored the impact of pesticides on the agriculture industry. They have found that since forty years ago the use of pesticides have increased by seven fold on conventionally grown crops.

They site pesticides that affect the communication and signaling of the plants and their roots, but more specifically certain types of legumes such as soy beans. What becomes affected is a mutually beneficial relationship between the legume and a bacteria called rhizobium. Together the two form something called a symbiotic nitrogen fixation which helps the plant or legume become naturally fertilized and more healthy. This can in turn reduce the cost of farm production and help save farmers money.

Related Articles:

Dangers of Bispenol

Ontario Bans Lawn and Garden Pesticides

DDT found in Penguins

However, in the United Stated, there are over 30 common pesticides used and the most widely used is called glyphosate(Roundup) made by the Monsanto Corporation. Monsanto's Roundup is known to be toxic to the nitrogen based bacteria and when used disrupts a naturally occurring process that could save money and results in higher yield of crop without the use of chemicals.

From the study:
"The results of this study demonstrate that one of the environmental impacts of pesticides and contaminants in the soil environment is disruption of chemical signaling between the host plants and N-fixing Rhiz(obia) necessary for efficient SNF and optimal plant yield."

Conclusion:
Drawing on their recent work and other published studies, the team projected that pesticides and other contaminants are reducing plant yield by one-third as a result of impaired SNF. This remarkable conclusion suggests one mechanism, or explanation of the yield-enhancing benefits of well-managed, long-term organic farming systems.

Source

Technorati Tags: environment