Modern agriculture is essential for global food security, but intensive use of chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and fertilizers has led to a rise in new types of pollution in soils. These emerging contaminants can disrupt soil health, harm the balance of soil microbes, and negatively affect how plants and soil interact. This, in turn, threatens agricultural productivity and the long-term ability to grow food.

The article reviews how these contaminants—such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals—impact soil ecosystems. It explains that these substances can disturb nutrient cycles and damage the communities of helpful microbes in the soil, making it harder for plants to grow.

To tackle these problems, the article explores innovative solutions, including bio-based and nano-enhanced strategies. Examples are managing the rhizosphere microbiome (the community of microbes around plant roots) and using nano-biofertilizers. These new approaches show promise in reducing the negative effects of contaminants and improving soil health.

However, there are still challenges. Regulations are not always up to date, new technologies can be hard to adopt, and there is a need for better education and awareness among farmers and stakeholders. The authors recommend a holistic approach that combines research, policy changes, and active involvement from all stakeholders.

The main message is that sustainable agricultural practices that protect soil health and ecosystem balance are urgently needed to ensure food security for the future.

For more details, you can read the full article here.