Conventional Methods of Pesticide Application in Agricultural Field and Fate of the Pesticides in the Environment and Human Health

Abstract

The increasing growth of world population required raising overall food production. In order to meet the requirement, food supply factors of increasing yields, expanding agricultural area and increasing the productivity of crop and animal agricultural are necessary. As a consequence, application of pesticide for protection of crop involves wide variety of chemicals with various applicable techniques. The pesticides are very commonly used in agriculture sector with several methods of applications in recent years. However, in developing countries, the conventional method of application of pesticide is the major practice. The knowledge and awareness of application play a major role in fate of pesticides in the environment and human health. Several studies have reported the handling practices and subsequent exposure of farmers to pesticides and pesticide accumulation. In addition to the preparation and application of pesticides, there are several important problems related to pesticide use that should be understood by every applicator. Generally, in the conventional way, application of pesticides did not include any regular inspections for safety procedure and follow-up inspections of problem areas. Some of the methods, however, may result in problems such as over application, not reaching the pest habitat while using a minimum amount of pesticide, and depositing unsafe residues. Proper techniques of application not only aid in effectiveness but also ensure workers’ safety, public protection and protection of the environment. Although newer pesticides are capable of degrading fast, the adverse impact of these chemicals with already existing persistent pesticides on environment including humans is reported in recent years. The application of pesticide is not merely the operation of sprayer or duster. It has to be coupled with a thorough knowledge of the pest problem. The application techniques ideally should be target oriented so that safety to the non-targets and the environment is ensured. Therefore, environmentally responsive controlled release of pesticide through advance technologies is needed and recommended. This chapter deals with the different types of pesticide application, their distribution and occurrence in the environment and human health-related issues.