A recent study has confirmed that pesticides do not only affect the pests they are meant to control. They also harm many other species, including insects, birds, fish, and mammals. The study, published in Nature Communications and reported by Sinc, analyzed more than 1,700 scientific studies. It found that pesticides change the way animals and plants grow, reproduce, and behave. These effects contribute to the loss of biodiversity around the world.
The challenge now is to find ways to reduce pesticides while keeping food production stable.
One solution is to use nature to control pests. In the European Union, more than 10% of farmland is organic, meaning it does not use synthetic pesticides. Instead, farmers encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs that eat aphids or birds that eat harmful insects. Studies show that when there is more biodiversity, farms need fewer chemicals. Some farmers plant wildflowers near crops or create special spaces where helpful insects, like beetles, can live. These methods help control pests naturally.
Regenerative agriculture is another way to reduce pesticides. This type of farming improves soil health and makes crops stronger against pests. Techniques include rotating crops, planting at different times of the year, and covering the soil with plants that stop weeds from growing. When farmers grow different crops instead of just one type, they reduce the risk of diseases and pests spreading.
Technology is also helping. Farmers can now use cameras and sensors to monitor pests in real time. This allows them to apply treatments only when necessary, instead of spraying large areas with chemicals. Smart farming tools can also predict when pests are likely to appear, helping farmers take action in advance.
People who garden at home can also reduce pesticide use. Simple solutions include using nets to protect plants, planting flowers that attract insects that eat pests, and encouraging birds, frogs, and hedgehogs in gardens. Natural solutions like these can help reduce the need for chemical sprays in cities and homes.
Pesticides harm biodiversity, but alternatives exist and are already working in many places. Combining natural pest control, sustainable farming practices, and modern technology can help reduce pesticide use without reducing food production.
Now, the focus should be on spreading these solutions and encouraging policies that support them. Protecting biodiversity and producing food can go hand in hand.
Associate Professor at University of Granada