Pesticide residues as contaminants in agricultural soils

Publication date:
Extent: 54 pages

Contributions by: Vera Silva, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Judith Riedo, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany; Diana Vieira, European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Italy; Sergejus Ustinov, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Italy; Pia Kotschik, German Environment Agency, Division IV Chemical Safety – Section IV 1.3. Plant Protection Products, Germany; Violette Geissen, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands; Antonio Bispo, INRAE, UR Info&ols, France; Claire Froger, INRAE, UR Info&ols, France; and Shiva Sabzevari, Masaryk University, Czech Republic

Chapter synopsis:

In this chapter, the authors focus on soil-pesticide monitoring data, emphasizing key findings and challenges such as legacy contamination and the interpretation of results. The chapter discusses the dual role of soils, as both a sink and source of pesticide residues, underlining the need for regular, harmonized, and holistic monitoring programs. Additionally, it provides recommendations for better assessing and preventing soil contamination by pesticide residues, including an initial attempt at defining relative benchmarks for pesticide residues in agricultural land. The chapter’s focus is primarily on synthetic pesticides, used on most agricultural land, and most relevant for regulatory and pesticide reduction efforts.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0151.07