Study of Pesticide Usage and Farming Practices on Soil Health in Buldhana District of Maharashtra
Keywords:
pesticide, monoculture, organophosphate, physicochemical, surveyAbstract
Intensive pesticide use and monoculture-based cropping are increasingly linked to soil degradation in India’s semi-arid smallholder systems. We examined how farmer practices, particularly pesticide reliance, affect soil properties in Buldhana (Maharashtra)a through a survey (n = 93) and laboratory analyses of composite soils (0–10 cm). Soils were slightly alkaline and non-saline (pH 7.44–7.78; EC 0.15–0.22 dS m⁻¹) but showed low organic carbon (0.32–0.95%), low–medium available N (183–311 kg ha⁻¹), medium P (13–25 kg ha⁻¹), high K (307–783 kg ha⁻¹), and widespread Fe and Zn deficiencies, while Cu and Mn were generally adequate. Comparisons with organic and forest controls highlighted contrasting fertility baselines: organic soils had higher OCC (0.85%) and extreme K (>3000 kg ha⁻¹), while forest soils had the highest OC (1.06%), elevated Fe and Mn, and greater moisture. Most farmers were marginal landholders (1–5 acres), largely rainfed, following soybean–wheat sequences; 71.6% applied 3–5 sprays per season, and 68.4% relied exclusively on chemical pesticides, predominantly organophosphates. Instant efficacy was cited as the main reason for use, though 41% reported yield declines. ANOVA and cross-tabulations showed higher spray intensity and organophosphate use coincided with lower OC and slightly elevated EC, suggesting pesticide-mediated disruption of soil functioning. While macronutrient levels (notably K) were sufficient, persistent Fe and Zn gaps threaten long-term fertility. Locally actionable strategies; integrated pest management, crop diversification, soil-test–based fertilization with micronutrient correction, and organic amendments, could reduce pesticide load and restore soil health. The survey-plus-soil framework offers a replicable diagnostic for aligning pesticide management with soil restoration in semi-arid Vertisols.
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