Environmental and health implications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

The history and evolution of chemical use in agriculture
• Agriculture is one of humanity’s most ancient activities, having its history written
side-by-side with that of human evolution and is considered one of the principal
foundations of all civilizations.
• Contrary to popular belief, the use of chemical substances and compounds in
agriculture is not a recent practice.
• The earliest recorded uses pre-date Christ, with gas produced by burning
elemental sulphur used to control pests in grain stores in ancient Egypt and the
Roman Empire.

• Throughout history, more chemical products have been discovered and
optimized for agricultural use.
• Another important milestone in the history of agrochemical compounds was
the discovery of superphosphate.
• In the 1840s, the German chemist Justus V. Liebig discovered that "attacking"
the ashes of plants or bones with sulphuric acid produced phosphoric acid,
which had a major impact on plant nutrition.
• Later, in England, John B. Lawes used the phosphoric acid production bases
proposed by Liebig to patent the process of making superphosphate, thereby
giving rise to the fertilization industry.

• During the Irish Potato Famine at the end of the 19th century, the European
scientific community was mobilized to research agrochemicals to solve the
problem caused by the fungus Phytophtora infestans.
• In 1883 the Doctor Francês Pierre Millardet developed a copper-based
fungicide called Bordeaux Mixture.
• In the mid nineteenth century, Liebig had already demonstrated the
importance of nitrogen in plant growth, development and production.
• The greatest milestone for the agricultural use of nitrogen however occurred at
the beginning of the 20th century with the transformation of atmospheric air
into liquid ammonia, a process developed by the chemists Fritz Haber and Carl
Bosch.
• This discovery lead to the fabrication current nitrogen fertilizers available on
the market and without this discovery it would be much more difficult to feed
the currently more than 7 billion people on earth.
• As a result, the Haber-Bosch process is considered by many to be the most
important discovery of the twentieth century.

• In the years that followed, many organochlorine and organophosphorus
chemicals have been developed, thus leveraging the chemical production
industry. Large companies arose during this period, including Dow Agroscience,
DuPont, and Monsanto, among others.
• During the time between World War I and II, the production of chemical
compounds was directed almost exclusively toward military use.
• At the end of World War II, the United States directed much of the chemical
production technology developed during the two World Wars for use in
agriculture, thus creating a technological model of agriculture that
encompassed the use of agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides), improved
seeds, and agricultural mechanization.
• In 1950s and ‘60s, this technological agricultural model spread to developing
nations such as Mexico, India, and Brazil, becoming known as the Green
Revolution.

• From 1940 to 1960, the agrochemical industry went through its golden phase,
with intense development of active ingredients aimed at increasing productivity
and improving crop management via insect, fungi and weed control. After this
period, an intermediate phase started within the industry, where the rate of new
active ingredients being introduced declined rapidly.
• Competitive strategies then began to be geared toward cost reduction and
product differentiation. Cost competition favoured the introduction of active
ingredients with lower dosage rates, while differentiation through new
formulations and packaging lead to products that were easier to apply and less
damaging to human health and the environment.
• Within a short time, agrochemicals had become widely used but had their
efficiency was questioned, since production gains were decreasing and the
harmful effects on the environment becoming apparent.
• Fertilizers began to show large losses in other ecosystems through different
processes. Pesticides became less effective through the selection of biological
organisms resistant to the utilized active ingredients, while additionally causing
contamination as a result of their indiscriminate use.

• In order to increase productivity, producers ended up increasing the amounts
of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used, which in turn had harmful effects
on the environment. As such, achieving sustainable food security is one of the
largest challenges in agriculture in the near future.
• With agriculture becoming increasingly more intense and technological,
pesticide use has increased significantly over the last two decades.
• This increase in the amount of agrochemicals has also caused an increase in
residues, which have been identified in various environments. Pesticide and
fertilizer contamination of soil and water has become a large concern at local,
regional, and global scales.
• With this, a new era of research has begun in agrochemical products. Products
with elevated efficiency and minimal environmental harm are being developed
to overcome the main problems caused by antiquated agricultural
technologies.

Practical aspects of chemical farming
• Chemical farming, also known as conventional or industrial farming, involves
the use of synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to maximize
crop production.
• Some practical aspects of chemical farming include:
• Fertilizer Application: Chemical farming relies on synthetic fertilizers to
provide essential nutrients to crops. Farmers need to calculate and apply the
right amount of fertilizers to optimize plant growth.
• Pest and Weed Control: Pesticides are used to control pests, while herbicides
manage weeds. Farmers must monitor pest and weed populations and apply
chemicals when necessary.

•Soil Testing: Regular soil testing is crucial to determine
nutrient levels and adjust fertilizer applications accordingly.
This helps prevent over-fertilization and nutrient runoff.
•Equipment and Technology: Chemical farming often involves
the use of specialized equipment like sprayers and spreaders
to apply chemicals efficiently.
•Crop Rotation: Crop rotation can help reduce the buildup of
pests and diseases. In chemical farming, it's essential to plan
rotations to mitigate these issues.
•Environmental Impact: Chemical farming has raised
concerns about environmental impact, including soil
degradation, water pollution, and harm to non-target
species.

• Safety Precautions: Farmers and workers must follow safety guidelines
when handling and applying chemicals to protect themselves and
minimize health risks.
• Cost Considerations: Chemical farming can be expensive due to the cost of
synthetic inputs, which can impact a farm's profitability.
• Regulatory Compliance: There are regulations and guidelines governing
the use of chemicals in farming. Farmers must comply with these
regulations to ensure safe and responsible chemical usage.
• Sustainability Concerns: Chemical farming's long-term sustainability is a
subject of debate, as it can deplete soil health and harm ecosystems.
Many are exploring alternative, more sustainable farming practices.
• It's important to note that the adoption of chemical farming practices has
led to significant increases in crop yields, but it also raises important
questions about environmental sustainability and the long-term health of
agricultural systems.

Environmental and
health implications of
chemical fertilizers and
pesticides

Environmental Implications:
• a. Water Pollution: Runoff from fields treated with chemical
fertilizers and pesticides can contaminate water bodies,
leading to water pollution.
• b. Soil Degradation: Excessive fertilizer use can degrade soil
quality, leading to nutrient imbalances and reduced long-term
fertility.
• c. Biodiversity Loss: Pesticides can harm non-target organisms,
including pollinators, beneficial insects, and aquatic life,
contributing to biodiversity loss.
• d. Eutrophication: Nitrogen-based fertilizers can cause
eutrophication in water bodies, leading to harmful algal
blooms and oxygen depletion.

Health Implications:
• a. Human Exposure: Pesticides can pose health risks to farmers and
farmworkers who handle them. Residues on food may also expose
consumers.
• b. Long-term Health Effects: Prolonged exposure to pesticides has been
linked to various health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders,
and reproductive problems.
• c. Antibiotic Resistance: The overuse of chemical fertilizers in agriculture
can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens due to
increased antibiotic use in livestock.
• To mitigate these issues, sustainable farming practices such as organic
farming, integrated pest management, and reduced chemical input
usage are encouraged. These methods aim to protect both the
environment and human health while maintaining agricultural
productivity.

Chemical Farming
• Chemical farming, on the other hand, refers to the use of synthetic
chemicals, pesticides, GMOs to produce crops.
• pros and cons of chemical farming listed below:

1) Nutrition per acre:
The overuse of chemicals in chemical farming
can result in soil degradation and the
accumulation of toxins in crops, reducing their
nutritional value.
2) Yield per acre
Chemical farming often relies heavily on synthetic
fertilizers and pesticides to boost yields and control
pests, which can have negative impacts on the
environment and human health. However, chemical
farming results in higher yields in the short-term.

3) Cost of health care and side effects:
• This metric has not been properly measured, but the impact is undeniable.
The residual content of chemicals on produce can have significant health
effects on those consuming it.
• The use of chemicals in farming also takes a toll on the farmers who use
them. In regions like Punjab, the overuse of chemicals such as Roundup
has led to a rise in cancer cases among farmers. This has resulted in a
significant financial burden for families, as well as a loss of physical health
and ability to work.
• The cost of health care, treatment, and loss of income must be considered
in the long-term when evaluating the impact of chemical farming. The
stress and mental health issues that arise from financial burden and loss of
physical health should also be considered.

4) Loss of fertility per acre:
• In contrast, chemical farming can have disastrous effects on soil fertility.
The overuse of chemicals and synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil
degradation and loss of fertility, making it difficult or even impossible to
grow crops in the future.
• The loss of fertility in soil is an issue that should not be taken lightly. It's
essential to consider the long-term impact of farming methods on soil
fertility and to adopt sustainable farming practices that maintain and
enhance soil health, such as organic and natural farming.

5) Loss of biodiversity
• The loss of biodiversity is another significant impact of chemical farming
methods. Chemical farming practices often rely on monoculture crops and
heavy use of pesticides and herbicides, which can have devastating effects
on the natural ecosystem and the biodiversity of plants and animals in the
area.
• Pesticides and herbicides can harm or kill beneficial insects, birds, and
other wildlife, reducing the diversity of species in the ecosystem.
Monoculture crops, where the same crop is grown repeatedly in the same
area, can also lead to a loss of biodiversity by reducing the variety of plant
species in the area.
• In the past 100 years we have lost touch with many plant species which
were previously a part of our diet. Our effort is to revive these FORGOTTEN
FOODS and bring them back to our diets. For example, millets were widely
grown before the Green Revolution. These include Foxtail millet, Kodo

6) Cost of food produce
• It is true that chemically produced food tends to be cheaper than organic food
in the market, but it's important to consider the full picture and the long-term
effects. The government subsidies and loan waiving that support chemical
farming lead to lower prices in the short term, but they don't account for the
environmental and health impacts of using synthetic chemicals.
• The subsidies for the year 2017-18 from the Central Government of India are Rs.
70,000 crores towards fertilizers, Rs. 20,000 crores towards farm credit, Rs. 6500
crores towards crop insurance, Rs. 24,000 crores towards MSP totalling Rs.
120,500 crores.
• And a similar support from State Governments of Rs. 90,000 crores towards
electricity power subsidies, Rs.17,500 crores towards irrigation subsidies, Rs, 6500
crores towards crop insurance subsidies totalling Rs. 1,14,000 crores.
• In addition the State Governments also waived bad farm loans of Rs. 1,22,000
crores in 2017-18.
• Hence the cost of chemically produced food might not actually be lower when
compared to organic food but it is priced lower in the market due to the heavy

Conclusion:
• In conclusion, it is imperative to carefully weigh the pros and cons of both
organic and chemical farming methods before making a decision on which
one to adopt. While yield is an important factor to consider, it is not the
only metric that should be taken into account. Environmental sustainability,
impact on human health, preservation of biodiversity and the long-term
health of the planet must also be considered. Ultimately, the right farming
method will be one that strikes a balance between maximizing yield and
protecting our resources for future generations. It is crucial that we make
informed choices based on a comprehensive understanding of the
implications of each farming method, both in the short and long term.

Merits and demerits of chemicalized farming
• Chemicalized farming, which involves the use of synthetic chemicals such as
fertilizers and pesticides, has both merits and demerits:
Merits:
• Increased Crop Yields: Chemical fertilizers can boost crop yields by providing
essential nutrients to plants.
• Pest and Disease Control: Chemical pesticides can help protect crops from pests
and diseases, reducing losses.
• Efficient Weed Control: Herbicides can effectively control weeds, reducing
competition for resources.
• Predictable Results: Chemical farming can offer more predictable results, making
it easier to plan and manage crops.

Demerits:
• Environmental Impact: Chemicalized farming can lead to soil and water pollution,
harming the environment and non-target species.
• Health Concerns: Pesticides and fertilizers can have adverse health effects on
farmworkers and consumers if not used carefully.
• Soil Degradation: Over-reliance on chemicals can lead to soil degradation and
reduced long-term fertility.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Chemicals can harm beneficial insects and disrupt
ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
• Sustainability Concerns: It's often not a sustainable long-term approach and may
contribute to issues like soil erosion.
• Balancing the merits and demerits of chemicalized farming is essential for
sustainable and responsible agriculture. Many farmers today are adopting more
environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices to mitigate some of
the demerits associated with heavy chemical use.

What are the types of chemical
farming?
Categories
• Pesticides. Insecticides. Herbicides. Fungicides. Algaecides.
Rodenticides. Molluscicides. Nematicides.
• Fertilisers.
• Soil conditioners.
• Liming and acidifying agents.
• Plant growth regulators.

Pesticides
• They are substances that are meant to control pests.[1] This
includes herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rode
nticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, microbicide, fungicide,
and lampricide.[2][3]
• The most common of these are herbicides, which account for approximately
50% of all pesticide use globally.[4] Most pesticides are intended to serve as
plant protection products (also known as crop protection products), which in
general, protect plants from weeds, fungi, or insects. As an example, the
fungus Alternaria solani is used to combat the aquatic weed Salvinia.
• In general, a pesticide is a chemical (such as carbamate) or biological
agent (such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus) that deters, incapacitates, kills, or
otherwise discourages pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens,
weeds, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms),
and microbes that destroy property, cause nuisance, or spread disease, or are
disease vectors.
• Along with these benefits, pesticides also have drawbacks, such as potential
toxicity to humans and other species.

Definition
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has defined pesticide as:
• any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or
controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, unwanted
species of plants or animals, causing harm during or otherwise interfering with
the production, processing, storage, transport, or marketing of food, agricultural
commodities, wood and wood products or animal feedstuffs, or substances that
may be administered to animals for the control of insects, arachnids, or other
pests in or on their bodies. The term includes substances intended for use as a
plant growth regulator, defoliant, desiccant, or agent for thinning fruit or
preventing the premature fall of fruit. Also used as substances applied to crops
either before or after harvest to protect the commodity from deterioration
during storage and transport.

Environmental and health implications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Insecticides
• are pesticides used to kill insects.[1] They include ovicides
and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively.
Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by
consumers. Insecticides are claimed to be a major factor behind
the increase in the 20th-century's agricultural productivity.[2]
• Nearly all insecticides have the potential to significantly alter
ecosystems; many are toxic to humans and/or animals; some
become concentrated as they spread along the food chain.
• Insecticides can be classified into two major groups: systemic
insecticides, which have residual or long-term activity; and
contact insecticides, which have no residual activity.

• Neonicotinoids are a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar
to nicotine. Imidacloprid, of the neonicotinoid family, is the most widely used
insecticide in the world.[95] In the late 1990s neonicotinoids came under
increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact and were linked in a range
of studies to adverse ecological effects, including honey-bee colony collapse
disorder (CCD) and loss of birds due to a reduction in insect populations. In
2013, the European Union and a few non EU countries restricted the use of
certain neonicotinoids.[96][97][98][99][100][101][102]
• Organophosphate and carbamate insecticides have a similar mode of action.
They affect the nervous system of target pests (and non-target organisms) by
disrupting acetylcholinesterase activity, the enzyme that
regulates acetylcholine, at nerve synapses. This inhibition causes an increase
in synaptic acetylcholine and overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous
system.[103] Many of these insecticides, first developed in the mid 20th century,
are very poisonous. Although commonly used in the past, many older
chemicals have been removed from the market due to their health and
environmental effects (e.g. DDT, chlordane,
and toxaphene).[104][105][106] Many organophosphates do not persist in the
environment.
• Pyrethroid insecticides were developed as a synthetic version of the naturally
occurring pesticide pyrethrin, which is found in chrysanthemums. They have
been modified to increase their stability in the environment. Some synthetic
pyrethroids are toxic to the nervous system.

Herbicides
• A number of sulfonylureas have been commercialized for weed
control, including: amidosulfuron, flazasulfuron, metsulfuron-
methyl, rimsulfuron, sulfometuron-
methyl, terbacil,[108] nicosulfuron,[109] and triflusulfuron-
methyl.[110] These are broad-spectrum herbicides that kill plants
weeds or pests by inhibiting the enzyme acetolactate synthase.
In the 1960s, more than 1 kg/ha (0.89 lb/acre) crop protection
chemical was typically applied, while sulfonylureates allow as
little as 1% as much material to achieve the same effect.

•Herbicides (US: /ˈɜːrbɪsaɪdz/, UK: /ˈhɜːr-/), also commonly
known as weed killers, are substances used to control
undesired plants, also known as weeds.[1] Selective
herbicides control specific weed species while leaving the
desired crop relatively unharmed, while non-selective
herbicides (sometimes called total weed killers in
commercial products) can be used to clear waste ground,
industrial and construction sites, railways and railway
embankments as they kill all plant material with which they
come into contact.

Fungicide
• Fungicides are pesticides used to kill parasitic fungi or their spores.[1] They
are most commonly chemical compounds, but may
include biocontrols and fungistatics. Fungi can cause serious damage
in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality, and profit. Fungicides
are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals.
• Fungicides are also used to control oomycetes, which are
not taxonomically/genetically fungi, although sharing similar methods of
infecting plants.[2] Fungicides can either be contact, translaminar or systemic.
• Contact fungicides are not taken up into the plant tissue and protect only the
plant where the spray is deposited.
• Translaminar fungicides redistribute the fungicide from the upper, sprayed leaf
surface to the lower, unsprayed surface.
• Systemic fungicides are taken up and redistributed through the xylem vessels.
Few fungicides move to all parts of a plant. Some are locally systemic, and
some move upward.

Biopesticides
• Biopesticides are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural
materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. For example,
canola oil and baking soda have pesticidal applications and are
considered biopesticides. Biopesticides fall into three major classes:
• Microbial pesticides which consist of bacteria, entomopathogenic fungi or
viruses (and sometimes includes the metabolites that bacteria or fungi
produce). Entomopathogenic nematodes are also often classed as
microbial pesticides, even though they are multi-cellular.[112][113]
• Biochemical pesticides or herbal pesticides[114] are naturally occurring
substances that control (or monitor in the case of pheromones) pests and
microbial diseases.
• Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs) have genetic material from other
species incorporated into their genetic material (i.e. GM crops). Their use
is controversial, especially in many European countries.[115]

Algaecide
• Algaecide or algicide is a biocide used for killing and
preventing the growth of algae, often defined in a loose sense
that, beyond the biological definition, also
includes cyanobacteria ("blue-green algae").[1] An algaecide
may be used for controlled bodies of water (reservoirs, golf
ponds, swimming pools), but may also be used on land for
locations such as turfgrass

Rodenticide
• Rodenticides are chemicals made and sold for the purpose of killing rodents.
While commonly referred to as "rat poison", rodenticides are also used to
kill mice, squirrels, woodchucks, chipmunks, porcupines, nutria, beavers,[1] an
d voles.[2] Despite the crucial roles that rodents play in nature, there are times
when they need to be controlled.[3]
• Some rodenticides are lethal after one exposure while others require more
than one. Rodents are disinclined to gorge on an unknown food (perhaps
reflecting an adaptation to their inability to vomit),[4] preferring to sample, wait
and observe whether it makes them or other rats sick.[5][6] This phenomenon
of poison shyness is the rationale for poisons that kill only after multiple
doses.
• Besides being directly toxic to the mammals that ingest them, including dogs,
cats, and humans, many rodenticides present a secondary poisoning risk to
animals that hunt or scavenge the dead corpses of rats.

Molluscicide
• Molluscicides (/məˈlʌskɪˌsaɪds, -ˈlʌs-/)[1][2] – also known as snail
baits, snail pellets, or slug pellets – are pesticides against molluscs,
which are usually used in agriculture or gardening, in order to
control gastropod pests specifically slugs and snails which damage
crops or other valued plants by feeding on them.
• A number of chemicals can be employed as a molluscicide:
• Metal salts such as iron(III) phosphate, aluminium sulfate, and ferric
sodium EDTA,[3][4] relatively non-toxic, most are approved for use
in organic gardening
• Metaldehyde[5]
• Niclosamide
• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. methiocarb), highly toxic to other
animals and humans, acts also as a contact poison

Nematicide
• A nematicide is a type of chemical pesticide used to kill plant-
parasitic nematodes. Nematicides have tended to be broad-spectrum
toxicants possessing high volatility or other properties promoting migration
through the soil.
• Aldicarb (Temik), a carbamate insecticide marketed by Bayer
CropScience, is an example of a commonly used commercial nematicide.
It is important in potato production, where it has been used for control of
soil-borne nematodes.
• Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which prevents the breakdown of
acetylcholine in the synapse. In case of severe poisoning, the victim dies
of respiratory failure.

Fertilizer
• A fertilizer (American English) or fertiliser (British English) is any material
of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to
supply plant nutrients. Fertilizers may be distinct from liming materials or
other non-nutrient soil amendments. Many sources of fertilizer exist, both
natural and industrially produced.[1] For most modern agricultural
practices, fertilization focuses on three main macro
nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) with occasional
addition of supplements like rock flour for micronutrients. Farmers apply
these fertilizers in a variety of ways: through dry or pelletized or liquid
application processes, using large agricultural equipment or hand-tool
methods.

Soil conditioner
• A soil conditioner is a product which is added to soil to improve
the soil’s physical qualities, usually its fertility (ability to provide
nutrition for plants) and sometimes its mechanics. In general usage,
the term "soil conditioner" is often thought of as a subset of the
category soil amendments (or soil improvement, soil condition),
which more often is understood to include a wide range
of fertilizers and non-organic materials.[1] In the context of
construction soil conditioning is also called soil stabilization.
• Soil conditioners can be used to improve poor soils, or to rebuild soils
which have been damaged by improper soil management. They can
make poor soils more usable, and can be used to maintain soils in
peak condition.

Liming (soil) and acidifying agents
• Liming is the application of calcium- (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)-rich
materials in various forms, including marl, chalk, limestone, burnt lime
or hydrated lime to soil.[1] In acid soils, these materials react as
a base and neutralize soil acidity. This often improves plant growth and
increases the activity of soil bacteria,[2] but oversupply may result in harm
to plant life. Modern liming was preceded by marling, a process of
spreading raw chalk and lime debris across soil, in an attempt to
modify pH or aggregate size.[3] Evidence of these practices dates to the
1200's and the earliest examples are taken from the modern British Isles.
• Acidifiers are inorganic chemicals that, put into a human (or
other mammalian) body, either produce or become acid.

Plant hormone
• Plant hormones (or phytohormones) are signal molecules,
produced within plants, that occur in extremely
low concentrations. Plant hormones control all aspects of plant
growth and development, including embryogenesis,[1] the
regulation
of organ size, pathogen defense,[2][3] stress tolerance[4][5] and re
productive development.[6] Unlike in animals (in which hormone
production is restricted to specialized glands) each plant cell is
capable of producing hormones.

Classes
• Different hormones can be sorted into different classes, depending on their
chemical structures. Within each class of hormone, chemical structures
can vary, but all members of the same class have similar physiological
effects. Initial research into plant hormones identified
• five major classes: abscisic acid, auxins, brassinosteroids, cytokinins and
ethylene.[16]
• This list was later expanded, and brassinosteroids, jasmonates, salicylic
acid, and strigolactones are now also considered major plant hormones.
• Additionally there are several other compounds that serve functions similar
to the major hormones, but their status as bona fide hormones is still
debated.

Application method
• Fumigants
• Penetrant

Fumigation
• Fumigation is a method of pest control or the removal of
harmful microorganisms by completely filling an area with
gaseous pesticides, or fumigants, to suffocate or poison the pests within.
It is used to control pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain,
and produce. Fumigation is also used during the processing of goods for
import or export to prevent the transfer of exotic organisms.
• Structural fumigation targets pests inside buildings (usually residences),
including pests that inhabit the physical structure itself, such
as woodborers and drywood termites. Commodity fumigation, on the other
hand, is also to be conducted inside a physical structure, such as a
storage unit, but it aims to eliminate pests from infesting physical goods,
usually food products, by killing pests within the container which will house
them.
• Each fumigation lasts for a certain duration. This is because after spraying
the pesticides, or fumigants, only the pests around are eradicated

Penetrant (biochemical)
• A biochemical penetrant is a chemical that increases the ability of a
poison to apply its toxic effect to a living organism.
• Typically, the term penetrant when used for a biochemical agent, relates
to an agrichemical that is used with a weedkiller or fungicide.[1] The term
seems to be used in relation to agrichemicals within English speaking
countries rather than North American.
• When mixed with a weedkiller (normally as an aqua solution) the
penetrant chemical causes a plant to absorb the poison in a more
effective manner and so succumb more readily. Penetrants are most
often used against plants that would otherwise be able to resist
the weedkiller. Often such plants have tough leaves or shiny leaves that
shed water easily.

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