Between Eco-Philosophy and Conventional Agriculture: The Role of Fungicides from the Perspective of Climate Change ^†

Abstract

This research investigates a set of factors that can lead to natural imbalances in plants and provides an overview of agricultural economy in terms of innovative agricultural development, especially in the field of plant protection, taking into account the effects of climate change. Environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources and vulnerabilities regarding fertilizer application techniques are current concerns in agricultural development. The excessive and intrusive development generated by mega-tourism causes the degradation of the environment and society, reviving interest in methods of plant protection in order to preserve the biosphere. Climate change involves the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the adaptation of agricultural systems. In our opinion, these aspects are closely related to the use of various types of plant protection tools, especially fungicides. The plant–soil interdependence in agricultural practice is also highlighted in this paper. We found that products (chemicals) to control diseases in agricultural crops are increasingly used in agricultural areas, especially fungicides. The amount of fungicides in solid form increased in 2018 compared to the previous year by 5.7%. One of the main objectives in the field of agriculture is to maintain a low level of greenhouse gas emission. The emergence of modern agriculture in the 1960s, supported by harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers, has been detrimental to the field ecosystem. This research is based on the theories of eco-philosophy. Studies have shown that organic farming can significantly reduce the carbon footprint per ton of food produced compared to conventional agriculture, mainly due to the abandonment of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The novelty of this research is the amalgamation of local village wisdom and traditions and inherited values as progressive tools for the application of a plant protection system in response to climate change and the pressure of diseases and pests. In this study, we try to highlight issues that, in our opinion, are important for the development of the agricultural sector towards a return to local methods typical of traditional farms, premises that will reduce fertilizer consumption and thus contribute to pest control.