It’s inevitable - if there are plants, there are going to be pests. Farmers, home gardeners, commercial growers, and food suppliers worldwide struggle to deal with the pests that compete for humankind's food supply or are simply undesirable. As part of their efforts to rid growing areas of these pests, pesticides were developed. Pesticide is now used to refer to any number of devices, methods, or chemicals used to remove pests from plants and animals. To understand the reliance of growers on pesticides, it’s important to understand the development of both farming and pest removal. Early Forms of Pest RemovalSince the advent of agriculture, man has been locked in a perpetual battle against pests that invade crops and wreak havoc on food supplies. The earliest farmers dealt with the invasion of pests with natural methods. For example, some farmers would plant their crops during particular phases of the moon. Other farmers relied on crop rotation to reduce pest infiltration. By planting small amounts of varied crops, farmers were able to manage the number of pests. Ancient records suggest that farmers discovered naturally pest-resistant plants, and would grow those plants in abundance. Primitive methods also included picking pests off by hand, using scare tactics such as loud noises to chase away grasshoppers, or introducing natural predators to manage insect populations. Introduction of PesticidesWhile many believe that man-made pesticides are a recent development, the ancient Chinese were among the first to introduce the idea of applying chemicals to plants. In fact, farmers in the Middle East, Rome, and China were the originators of pesticide development. In ancient times, Chinese farmers crushed the flowers of the pyrethrum plant, Middle Eastern farmers used sulfur to control their pest problems, and Romans used crushed arsenic to keep their crops safe. These methods were effective, but labor intensive. As the size and scope of farms grew, farmers needed more reliable and manageable resources. It wasn’t until the 1840s that pesticides were used on a large scale. A fungus invaded Britain, and sulfur was successfully used to control the epidemic. Within thirty years, farmers were depending on mass-produced pesticides. For example, potato farmers in Colorado used paris green, a water-insoluble chemical that protected crops from the Colorado beetle. Tar oil, quassia and other types of pesticides were used in limited quantities until World War II. Research conducted during that time led to the development of DDT and other substances, beginning a science devoted solely to the production of pesticides and other aids for farming. Application of PesticidesEarly pesticide distribution was done manually, with farmers applying small quantities to specific zones or plants. The late 1800s introduced the large-scale application of pesticides through the use of giant machines. In the 1920s, airplanes were adopted as a means of covering large crop fields. By the 1950s, regulations were in place to ensure low-flying, well-controlled application. Today’s pesticides are applied in a variety of manners, ensuring limited environmental impact, concentrated applications, and maximum efficiency. As farms began producing larger crop yields and the demand for food supply increased, the demand for easier application of pesticides grew as well. Crop dusting, the application of large amounts of pesticide to large, flat growing fields via airplane, is still used in many parts of the world. Hand-held applicators, held by workers as they walk through fields, are used in smaller settings or where more precise spray coverage is needed. Large, tractor-like applicators can be driven through fields to spray areas between trees or tall crops. Integrated Pest ManagementIn the 1960s, the Integrated Pest Management process was developed to reduce dependence on chemical application and increase the effectiveness of pest removal. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the process of using multiple methods within a single farm.
IPM involves using chemical pesticides in addition to natural methods. These methods may include using bacterial, fungal, or viral insecticides as well as introducing natural predators and parasites. Many of the methods used are the same as those discovered by early farmers: crop rotation, using pest-resistant plants, and plowing at the most effective time are all still effective ways to manage pests and are still widely used today. Another component of the IPM process may be to introduce sexual-attractant traps, sterilized male insects, or insects that have been genetically engineered to remain juveniles into the fields. Global use of pesticides varies as countries begin to capitalize on the development of newer, more efficient man-made products and as they find the correct balance of IPM to manage their region’s pests. Man will continue to depend on farmers to supply the world’s foods, and farmers will continue to rely on pesticides to help maximize their crop yields. Scientific advances and developments will continue to increase effectiveness and reduce environmental impact as farmers and scientists work together to find sustainable solutions. As the world’s population increases, the demand for food will continue to grow, creating an increased need for pesticides and the benefits they bring to the farm. In the global marketplace, agro-chemical use and production has skyrocketed over the last several decades. Increasing demand for crops and food, in conjunction with declining farmland availability, has escalated the need for using agro-chemicals in the form of fertilizer and pest control. Balancing crops between supply and demand while maintaining costs and profitability are concerns that farmers must address as they look toward the future. While scientific advances have created safer, more effective forms of agro-chemicals, many farmers remain skeptical of their benefits. Education and training on the uses and benefits of agro-chemicals will not only improve crop health and production, but will impact the world’s food supply in a positive way. Understanding both the size and scope of how food is produced is imperative to understanding the rise of agro-chemical use, and will give indication of what the future holds for farmers. Global GrowthGlobal population growth is one of the largest driving forces behind the demand for increased crop production. India and China are home to nearly 3 billion people combined, with the United States coming in a distant third at just under 300 million. By 2050, it is estimated that the current world population will increase by 3 billion people, bringing the total population to approximately 10 billion. This boom in population will continue to increase the demand for food production and push farmers to produce larger quantities of food that can be shipped around the world. In the recent past, crop supply yield has increased 70 percent, thanks to the use of fertilizers by commercial farmers. However, cereal grain yields have stabilized and fisheries’ landings have declined in the last decade, an ominous sign for the future. With demands expected to increase nearly 50 percent for cereal grains, farmers are facing overwhelming need and must begin to take steps to prepare. The three components to meeting increased food demand are: increasing food production (yield per area), increasing farmland, and greater crop intensity. However, in the many parts of the world, there is a significant lack of available farmland, forcing these regions to rely on the food production efforts of others around the globe. This additional pressure on existing farmers increases the necessity of higher yield per area and greater crop intensity. As a result, farmers are turning to agro-chemicals to give their crops additional nutrients and protection in an effort to boost production. Industry ChallengesThe agro-chemical industry faces multiple challenges as the world braces for a population explosion. Balancing environmental concerns against improved scientific testing has left agro-chemical companies attempting to educate farmers on the benefits of their use. Crop production in India, for example, is suffering from a lack of awareness among farmers regarding the benefits of agro-chemicals. According to recent studies, only 25-30 percent of farmers are aware of agro-chemicals and their usage, indicating a large market need. Industry players face challenges in the management and distribution of products across the large geography of India. Trying to monitor costs while providing effective products has proven difficult. Many farmers are dubious of the use of fertilizers as a result of spurious pesticides and tainted bio-pesticides within the country. As farmers begin to adopt the use of agro-chemicals, suppliers must deal with a rapidly changing market due to the unpredictability of pest invasion, the changing seasonal demands, and the impact monsoons have on the growing season. Attempting to convince farmers grappling with the sustainability of their crops to use additional products may prove to be difficult in regions such as these. Imperatives for the Future Agro-chemical companies must find ways to appease demands for environmentally safe products while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness. Increased testing and evaluation of environmental impact will continue to prove efficacy, assuring farmers of the validity of their use. In addition, increased oversight in developing nations such as India will assist in further development of food production.
By simplifying the registration process for both importing and exporting agro-chemicals, nations currently not using these products will be able to introduce their use to farmers within their borders. Industry players and governmental agencies must combine their efforts to improve regulation within nations, eliminating the introduction of spurious products into the marketplace. In addition, improving supply chain management will affect distribution and use, providing farmers with the products they need, when they need them. The world depends on farmers to meet the demand for crops and food supply. As the population swells, farmers will be unable to meet demand using the same methods and tools of the past. By applying the scientific discoveries of the present to the methods of the past, farmers will be equipped to meet the demands of the future. As innovation and technology continue to improve agro-chemicals, further adoption of their usage will allow farmers to meet the growing food needs of the world. As a result of industrialization, a shift in attitudes, and increasing global demand for crops, farmers have turned to agrochemicals to improve and maintain our global food supply. Agrochemicals comprise a variety of products that can be classified into several types. Most people, however, are unaware of these classifications and typically refer to any product applied to plants or crops as “fertilizer.” This generalization often leads to misinformation about what products can and can’t do, and can lead to misuse when products are used for purposes they aren’t designed for. To eliminate confusion, here’s a quick look at the differences between three main types of agrochemicals and how they function to improve our food supply. HerbicidesOne of the toughest challenges a farmer (or gardener) faces is controlling weeds. Reducing the infiltration of weeds into a crop helps ensure that nutrients and water are being used by the wanted crop, not being diverted to help weeds grow. While a homeowner or small farm may be able to manage weed control by physically removing weeds from their crops or garden beds, this is not a viable solution for commercial farming operations. They rely on herbicides to halt weed development and growth. The development of precision herbicides over the last several decades has resulted in the ability to kill weeds without harming crops. This innovation is a result of specific targeting actions, known as “modes of action,” that describe the main ways herbicides work to kill or prevent weeds. These modes of action include preventing cell division, fueling uncontrolled growth to kill the weed, disrupting vital enzyme systems, and destroying cells and tissue within the weed. By selecting the mode of action that best targets the particular weeds encroaching on a crop, farmers can select the right herbicide for their needs. This, in turn, allows them to use fewer chemicals and less water, and have a lighter impact on the soil. InsecticidesSimilar to herbicides, insecticides are classified by the method they use to kill or prevent the reproduction of insects. They typically work via two modes: killing the insect outright or interfering with the insect behavior that destroys the plant. Insecticides may affect the nervous system of insects, either blocking or inhibiting enzymes that the insect needs to survive. Farmers typically administer insecticides to crops via contact, systematic, or residual applications. Contact applications are administered directly to the insect, killing it without affecting the surrounding plants. Little residue remains after the insecticide is applied and the insecticide works almost immediately. Systemic applications of insecticide are used for long-term pest control. The insecticide is applied and absorbed into the plant, and is passed to the insect when it feeds on the plant. Alternatively, some insecticides are eaten directly by the insect, killing them quickly. In either case, the insecticide works over the long term to control pest populations. Residual applications are used to control insect populations in specific locations. The residue remains on the surface of the plant for a duration of time, maintaining the effectiveness of the poison. FungicidesAnother major issue confronting farmers is fungus, which can cause devastating crop losses and harm the quality of the crop. Fungal diseases can be controlled by fungicides, which either kill the fungus causing the disease or inhibit the disease’s growth. To prevent the spread of disease in plants, however, fungicides must be applied before the disease occurs. Damage caused by fungus cannot be reversed or repaired, making the regular application of fungicide essential to maintaining crop protection. Unlike insecticides and herbicides, which are often applied after insects and weeds appear, fungicide is primarily used in the prevention of disease. Similar to other agrochemicals, however, fungicides are classified by modes of action and application. There are both contact and systemic fungicides which function in the same general manner as other agrochemicals. Contact fungicides remain on the plant, while systematic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and work from within. The application method should be selected based on the needs of the farmer and the crop, with careful attention paid to each fungicide’s mode of action. Fungicides typically work via three modes of action: they interfere with the fungus’ energy production or respiration, damage cell membranes, or inhibit important enzymes the fungus needs to grow. Agrochemicals are a billion-dollar industry that has revolutionized farming around the world. As the demand for crop production, stronger resistance to disease and insect infestation, and greater transportability continues to increase, the need for agrochemicals will grow as well. Understanding the various agrochemicals available allows farmers to use exactly what their crops need, while reducing the environmental impact. Overall, agrochemicals have allowed the world to produce more food more efficiently. Without the development of stronger, more effective agrochemicals, these gains in meeting the world’s demands would not be possible. As the world’s population booms, the demand for a sustainable food supply increases. Farmers are routinely being asked to produce more food, in less space, in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, food supplies need to be transportable and storable, while still retaining their nutrients and carrying a low cost. These increasing requirements have led to a partnership between farmers, chemists, and scientists as they search for solutions that will provide viable sources of food for the world. The Demand for MeatA combination of rising population and greater demand for meat have affected the amount of food available globally. Particularly in Asian countries, the demand for food has shifted from primarily vegetable and grains to include an increasing amount of meat. China, for example, has increased its meat consumption over 200% since the late 1990s. Around the globe, more individuals are eating meat, dairy and eggs, resulting in a rising number of livestock farms needed to meet the demand. The reality, however, is that while the demand is growing, the amount of available farmland is shrinking, forcing farmers to produce more livestock with less resources. The Demand for CropsThe increased global demand for meat has also translated into a higher demand for crops that are used as animal feed, particularly corn, sorghum, and oats. In the US, more than 90 million acres of land are dedicated to corn production. Finding methods to increase yields of these feed grain crops, without sacrificing quality, is one of the agriculture industry’s most difficult problems. Due to the need to transport feed crops over longer distances, they must be viable for longer periods of time, without losing any nutritional value. The Role of Agro-ChemicalsAgro-chemicals cover a broad spectrum of products, including pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives. These products are used in every aspect of food production, improving both the quality and quantity of food supplies and thereby benefiting populations all over the world. FertilizersStudies have shown that agro-chemicals, in the form of fertilizers, can affect crop yields by as much as 40 – 60%; this is a significant amount of food and animal feed that the world depends on to eat. These gains would not be possible without the addition of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium)—the three macronutrients in fertilizer—to crop fields. In the US Midwest, scientists are also finding that better farming techniques and genetic modifications have improved and increased yields without increasing the amount of nitrogen required. This is a significant development that few have realized. PesticidesProtecting food supplies from pests such as insects, rodents, and weeds increases yields and eliminates waste due to these intrusions. Proper use of these agro-chemicals saves money that would be lost due to crop loss. Preventing loss is an important use of agro-chemicals. Veterinary ProductsUsed by agricultural workers to assist in raising farm animals, these products are applied either topically or internally. Disease prevention, better health, and greater longevity are the results of agro-chemical use in animals. The Impact of Agro-ChemicalsWith the development of new, improved agro-chemicals, farmers have seen increases in the production of crops as well as animals raised for meat. The increased yields have allowed for greater gains in food supplies and a reduced impact on the environment. Further study into developing new agro-chemicals can give tomorrow’s farmers additional tools in their arsenals. Many farmers and casual observers wonder why manure is not an adequate form of fertilizer for crops. While it is an effective form of fertilizer in many instances, it simply cannot compete with agro-chemicals in meeting the growing food demands of the world’s population. Challenges for the Agro-Chemical IndustryThe continued development of new and improved varieties of agro-chemicals faces several challenges. Without widespread testing and trials, it is difficult to experiment with altered forms of agro-chemicals. Farmers and scientists can be reluctant to use un-tested chemicals on food supplies without understanding the broader, long-term effects on crops, soil, and humans. Testing can be cost-prohibitive and difficult, making wide-spread acceptance of new varieties challenging. Future agro-chemicals must balance environmental concerns over the long-term, while maintaining their effectiveness in preventing disease and pest infestations. The Future of Agro-ChemicalsToday’s farmers would not be equipped to handle the food demands of the world without the development of agro-chemicals. Despite the legitimate concerns posed by many, the fact remains that the world depends on agro-chemicals for a sustainable, consistent food supply. New developments to lessen the environmental impact of agro-chemicals and increase yields even further will help nations around the world feed their growing populations. In short, agro-chemicals are here to stay.
Walk into any garden center today and next to the plants, pots, and gardening tools is a long aisle filled with fertilizers, additives, and soil treatments. Contrary to what many people may believe, the use of fertilizers is not a new development. Fertilizer has a long history in agriculture, and has influenced and affected the world’s food supply ever since its discovery. The benefits are clear: fertilizers provide essential nutrients that are needed for healthy plant growth. To understand the impact of fertilizer on food supply, it is helpful to trace its usage from ancient times through the present day. Ancient HistoryThe earliest use of fertilizer dates back to the earliest days of agriculture. When humankind transitioned from nomadic societies to settlements based on farming, people began to search for ways to improve crop yields. Originally, it was assumed that the use of fertilizer was happenstance, but a recent study revealed that as far back as 8,000 years ago, farmers were using manure as fertilizer to aid in crop production. Evidence has emerged that shows the use of manure at 13 early farming locations across the UK and Europe, dating between 7,900 and 4,400 years ago. New testing procedures revealed high levels of nitrogen in the remains of cereals and grains from these sites, giving credence to the idea that the farmers systematically spread manure on planting fields. Originally, it was assumed that the use of fertilizer was happenstance, but a recent study revealed that as far back as 8,000 years ago, farmers were using manure as fertilizer to aid in crop production. Evidence has emerged that shows the use of manure at 13 early farming locations across the UK and Europe, dating between 7,900 and 4,400 years ago. New testing procedures revealed high levels of nitrogen in the remains of cereals and grains from these sites, giving credence to the idea that the farmers systematically spread manure on planting fields. The 19th CenturyGrowing processes remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, with farmers using organic substances to fertilize the soil. In the 19th century, however, scientists began studying fertilizers as a means of increasing crop yields to keep pace with growing populations. The Industrial Revolution was moreover causing a fundamental shift in Western society; more people were moving to cities and leaving their farms, leaving fewer farmers to produce more food. The demand for wheat, barley, and other staple crops was growing. In the 1800s, European explorers in South America began studying guano, or bird excrement, which local populations used as a fertilizer. What followed was the “guano boom”—over the course of the century, massive deposits of guano were harvested from Peru, islands in the Pacific, and elsewhere. Peru in particular exported about 12 million tons of guano to Europe and North America in just a few decades. So important was guano to agriculture that the US passed the 1856 Guano Islands Act, which declared that US citizens could occupy and take possession of any unclaimed island with guano deposits. Scientists tasked with finding new methods of crop improvement also began studying the effects of various types of manure on crops, which led to an understanding of the importance of certain nutrients in plant growth. German chemist Justus von Liebig, widely regarded as the “Father of Fertilizer,” began the modern fertilizer industry with his work detailing the impact of nutrients—particularly nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—on plants in the mid-1800s. He argued that plant growth would be impeded by the lack of nutrients. As a result, he is often credited with starting the chemical fertilizer industry. Over the next 100 years, scientists would look for methods to produce individual nutrients, with varied results and successes. The 20th CenturyThe post-WW1 era saw an increase in scientists and manufacturers working to create more effective fertilizers. Scientists were largely accepted as knowledgeable about the use of chemicals, and farmers began to place value on field testing, individualized soil assessments, and the use of fertilizers. With further growth in the world’s population, farmers faced still higher demands for food, and the modern global economy began to take shape. Food began to be shipped to various ports around the world, increasing the demand for a sustainable crop supply. As a result, fertilizer use soared. Modern FertilizerToday’s fertilizers are a far cry from early chemical additives. While these first chemical mixtures were created with little concern for their environmental impact, modern fertilizers can be both environmentally safe and effective. Understanding the development of fertilizers can lead to a greater understanding of not only these products, but their importance to the world’s food supply. As the world’s population continues to increase and climate change brings new challenges to farmers, fertilizers continue to evolve to meet these demands. |