In recent years, the widespread use of various herbicides has indeed improved agricultural production efficiency and reduced labor demand, marking a significant advancement in farming. However, in Wulian County, Shandong Province, a growing concern has emerged: the blind and excessive use of herbicides by farmers is becoming increasingly common, leading to serious negative consequences for both agriculture and the environment.
Firstly, many farmers do not follow the recommended dosage when applying herbicides like 50% acetochlor EC. Instead, they often increase the concentration arbitrarily, sometimes even mixing it at 100 or 200 times the recommended strength. This overuse severely hinders crop growth, causing stunted development, plant death, and reduced yields. For example, Li Mou from Fangzi Village in Wulian County used an over-concentrated herbicide on his soybean field in 2013. Despite the product's claim of being safe for crops, he ended up destroying his entire crop due to incorrect application. After investigation, it was found that he applied the herbicide meant for two mu of land to just one acre, resulting in severe damage.
Secondly, the extensive use of selective herbicides has replaced traditional methods. Crops such as peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and corn are now commonly treated with these chemicals. While selective herbicides are designed to target weeds without harming the crops, they can still cause cross-effects. Long-residual herbicides like chlorsulfuron-methyl and atrazine can linger in the soil, affecting future planting cycles. Farmers have reported issues like winter wheat seedlings dying after emergence, with some plots showing uneven growth. These problems were ultimately traced back to improper herbicide use, not seeds or fertilizers.
Moreover, the misuse of herbicides in ditches and fields leads to environmental degradation, including water pollution, soil erosion, and damage to local ecosystems. The overuse of outdated spraying equipment further exacerbates the issue, reducing pesticide efficiency and increasing the risk of crop damage and human exposure.
To address these challenges, it is essential for distributors and agricultural departments to educate farmers on proper herbicide use. Additionally, manufacturers should clearly state the potential risks of their products, especially regarding long-term effects on crops. Encouraging the adoption of modern spraying technologies will also help reduce waste, improve effectiveness, and protect both farmers and the environment. Such measures are crucial for sustainable agricultural development and ecological balance.
Taizhou TS HARDWARE Co., Ltd , https://www.shuwengroup.com