Total pesticides use in agriculture in 2021 was 3.54 million tonnes of active ingredients.user.[18] In 2018 world pesticide sales were estimated to be $65 billion, of which 88% was used for agriculture.[19]ChemChina (with subsidiariesSyngenta andAdama),Bayer Crop Science,BASF andCorteva Agriscience together represented about 60 per cent of the agricultural pesticide market in 2018.[19]
In 2018 120 million tons (Mt) of nitrogen (elemental), 44 Mt of phosphorus (P2O5), and 45 Mt of potassium (K2O) fertilizers were used.[20] Global sales revenues for inorganic fertilizers in 2018 were reported to be about USD 151 billion.[20] In the case of nitrogen and phosphorus, China, the United States, India, and Russia dominate production capacity. Canada is by far the biggest producer of potassium. In each country only a few manufacturers dominate the market, and they are different in each county, and different to the pesticide companies.[20]
Compost and manure were used historically as fertilizer. Manufacture of inorganic fertilizersstarted in the early 20th century, with ahuge increase in production over the second half of the 20th century.[21]
Inorganic pesticides were used thousands of years ago in Sumeria and China.[22] The manufacture oforganic chemical pesticides started in the middle of the 20th century. The majority of pesticides were developed in the late 20th century, and their use expanded greatly during theGreen Revolution.[23][24]
Agrochemicals can be applied in several ways.[25][26] Conventional application methods includefoliar sprays, and root drenches, broadcasting of granules, andseed coating.
Agrochemicals, especially when improperly used or released in local environments, have led to a number of public health and environmental issues.[24] Agrochemicals and their production can be significantenvironmental pollution.[24] Agrochemicals are responsible for significant damage to waterways through runoff, and inproperly stored agrochemicals and agrochemical wastes are responsible for spills, especially during extreme weather events.[27][24] Following the publication of Rachel Carson'sSilent Spring, increased global attention has been paid to these ecological impacts of certain classes of chemicals, both in terms ofeffects on ecosystems andbiodiversity loss.
Many agrochemicals aretoxic, and agrichemicals in bulk storage may pose significantenvironmental and/orhealth risks, particularly in the event of accidentalspills. In many countries, use of agrichemicals is highly regulated. Government-issued permits for purchase and use of approved agrichemicals may be required. Significant penalties can result from misuse, including improper storage resulting in spillage. On farms, proper storage facilities and labeling, emergency clean-up equipment and procedures, and safety equipment and procedures for handling, application and disposal are often subject to mandatory standards and regulations. Usually, the regulations are carried out through the registration process.
For instance,bovine somatotropin, though widely used in theUnited States, is not approved inCanada and some other jurisdictions as there are concerns for the health ofcows using it.
Media related toAgricultural chemistry at Wikimedia Commons