Beyond the field: How pesticide drift endangers biodiversity

Abstract

Airborne pesticide drift poses a substantial environmental threat in agriculture, affecting ecosystems far from the application sites. This process, in which up to 25% of applied pesticides are carried by air currents, can transport chemicals over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers. Drift rates peak during the summer months, reaching as high as 60%, and are influenced by various factors, including wind speed, temperature, humidity, and soil type. Pesticide volatilization is a significant concern, occurring 25 times more frequently than surface runoff. Under certain conditions, it can result in chemical losses of compounds like metolachlor and atrazine that are up to 150 times higher. These drifting pesticides have profound impacts on biodiversity, harming non-target plants, insects, fungi, and other organisms both near application sites and in distant ecosystems. Pesticide drift has been linked to over 50% reductions in wild plant diversity within 500 meters of fields, reducing floral resources for pollinators. Despite growing evidence of these effects, the long-term consequences of airborne pesticides on biodiversity remain poorly understood, especially in complex field conditions with multiple pesticide applications. Addressing this requires urgent measures, such as improved meteorological tracking during applications, adoption of biopesticides, and integrated pest management strategies. This review highlights the pressing need for research to quantify airborne pesticides' ecological impacts, advocating for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental damage.