Effects of Wastewater and Pesticides on Soil Fertility and Microbiological Activity

Dear Colleagues,

Unsustainable agricultural practices have a huge impact on soil pollution for diverse reasons; among these, the application of wastewater (untreated/treated) for irrigation and the use of excessive pesticides are key causes of soil pollution in agriculture. The consequence of agricultural soil pollution is the loss of soil fertility. It is not surprising that 20 million hectares are estimated to be irrigated with wastewater. Wastewater comprise a cocktail of pollutants that are both naturally occurring or man-made and can include chemical contaminants (e.g., nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides, metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs) and biological contaminants. Wastewater can alter organic matter, soil pH, Ex-Ca capacity in top layers, and build up heavy metals in topsoils. On the other hand, soil microbial activities are inextricably linked with nutrient recycling and the decomposition of dead organic matter, which are the pillars of soil fertility. These contaminants have various adverse effects on the development, morphology, and metabolism of soil microorganisms by causing functional disturbances, protein denaturation, the destruction of cell membrane integrity, etc. In particular, soil microbial enzymes are efficient in revealing ecosystem perturbations, and they are very sensitive to agricultural management practices; thus, soil enzymes are good indicators of biogeochemical cycles, organic matter degradation, and soil remediation processes. Keeping this in view, the latest insights related to the influential effects of wastewater and pesticides on soil fertility and microbiological activities will not only protect soil fertility but also avoid problems of food insecurity and human health risks.

Therefore, this Special Issue calls for articles related to the theme of “wastewaters and pesticides versus soil fertility and microbial activities”. All types of articles, such as original research, opinions, and reviews, are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Naga Raju Maddela
Dr. Binbin Sheng
Guest Editors

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