Agrochemicals; Help to Effectively Cultivate and Manage Crops to Increase Production

Agrochemicals are chemical products comprised of fertilizers, pesticides or plant-protection chemicals, and plant-growth hormones used in agriculture. They are widely used on farmlands to improve the nutrients in the field or crops. Agrochemicals are implemented in all forms of farming sectors such as horticulture, commercial planting, crop shifting, poultry, dairy farming, etc. Agrochemicals are used for the management of ecosystems in agricultural sectors. It is the generic name given to chemicals used in the agricultural field.


These include pesticides, nematicides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, synthetic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and chemical growth agents, among others. Moreover, agrochemicals help to minimize the loss by protecting crops, increasing productivity, and maintaining the quality of the produce. They also help increase crop production by killing harmful insects naturally. Thus, there is a high demand for these agricultural chemicals and they are being employed in various kinds of crops. They can be used both as synthetic and organic chemicals.


According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in the United States, most fertilizers that are commonly used in agriculture contain the three basic plant nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In 2018, fertilizer consumption in the U.S. was 128.8 kilograms per hectare. Despite many benefits, agrochemicals are also associated with some health and environmental issues. The excessive use of fertilizers has resulted in contamination of groundwater with toxic chemicals such as nitrates.


Moreover, excess use may lead to heavy metal accumulation, eutrophication, and accumulation of nitrate and phosphate. Whereas, the excessive use of phosphorus is a potential threat to water quality. Excess nitrogen used in crop fertilization can contribute to the release of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the pesticides used for pest control such as aldrin, dieldrin, and DDT, among others have a significant impact on both the environment and living beings. Thus, regulatory bodies and manufacturers are focused on developing non-toxic agrochemicals, such as herbicides and pesticides.