Pesticides and Soil Health

The largest, most comprehensive review ever conducted of agricultural pesticides’ impacts on soil organisms was just published. Researchers from the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Earth US and the University of Maryland found that in 71% of cases studied, pesticides kill or harm soil invertebrates like earthworms, ants, beetles and ground-nesting bees. While pesticides are a critical tool for many farmers, this information highlights the need to use pesticides carefully as part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy. To read more about the study’s findings, why it matters, and what it means for the pesticide industry, click here.