Even taking salt in excess may cause death of a human. So, dose matters. Regarding your specific query, the use of excess agrochemicals including fertilizers result in irreparable damage to the soil ecosystem. So, excess application of these agri-inputs should be avoided.
Excessive use of pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers can have a domino effect on the environment, harming both human health and the quality of soil. Here's a breakdown of the problems:
Human Health Risks:
Acute Poisoning: Direct exposure to high pesticide doses can cause immediate health problems like nausea, dizziness, and even death.
Chronic Health Issues: Long-term exposure, even at low levels, has been linked to cancers, neurological problems, and developmental issues in children. Farmworkers and people living near heavily sprayed fields are especially at risk.
Soil Degradation:
Kills Beneficial Organisms: Pesticides kill not just target pests, but also beneficial insects, worms, and microbes crucial for healthy soil.
Disrupts Nutrient Balance: Excessive fertilizers can disrupt the natural balance of nutrients in soil, making it harder for plants to absorb what they need.
Reduces Soil Fertility: Over time, excessive chemicals can damage soil structure, reducing its ability to hold water and nutrients. This leads to less fertile land.
Reduced Biodiversity:
Harms Pollinators: Insecticides can harm pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for plant reproduction and healthy ecosystems.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach uses natural methods like crop rotation and beneficial insects to control pests, reducing reliance on chemicals.
Organic Farming: Organic practices focus on building healthy soil through composting and cover crops, minimizing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
By adopting sustainable practices, we can protect our health, the environment, and ensure the long-term productivity of our soil.
Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers leads to soil degradation, hardening, and pollution, disrupting microbial communities and reducing soil fertility. Over-application of these chemicals contaminates water sources and diminishes agricultural productivity, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices.