Measuring what matters: environmental Impact Assessment of pesticides in modern agriculture

Abstract

Pesticides play an important role in modern agriculture by protecting crops from pests and diseases, thereby ensuring food security meeting global demand and economic stability. However, their extensive use has raised concerns regarding environmental degradation, risks to human health, and biodiversity loss. While pesticides are crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity, their widespread application often leads to unintended consequences, including soil contamination, water pollution, and adverse effects on non-target organisms. The Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) has emerged as a key tool for assessing the impact of pesticides on ecosystems and human health, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about pesticide selection and management. This article provides a comprehensive review of pesticide usage trends, their impact on soil, water, and human health, and methodologies for assessing their environmental footprint. A particular emphasis is placed on the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) and the EIQ Field Use Rating (EIQFUR), which offer standardized approaches for evaluating pesticide toxicity and guiding pesticide selection. The article highlights how EIQ and EIQFUR can aid decision-making in pest management by allowing farmers, researchers, and policymakers to compare pesticide impacts and choose environmentally safer alternatives. Additionally, it explores the calculation of EIQ and its field use rating, demonstrating how these metrics can be applied to minimize pesticide risks while maintaining agricultural productivity. By leveraging EIQ assessments and integrating EIQFUR into agricultural decision-making, stakeholders can develop more sustainable pest management strategies. This approach fosters informed pesticide selection, regulatory improvements, and long-term environmental protection, ensuring a balance between agricultural needs and ecological preservation.