Ecological Effects of Soil Pesticide Residues in Mandla Region

Abstract

The increasing use of pesticides in agricultural practices in Mandla region, Madhya Pradesh, has raised significant concerns about their ecological impact on soil ecosystems. This comprehensive study investigates the occurrence, distribution, and ecological effects of pesticide residues in agricultural soils across the Mandla region. The research employed systematic soil sampling and advanced analytical techniques including QuEChERS extraction followed by LC-MS/MS analysis to quantify 32 pesticide residues across 150 sampling sites. Results revealed that 97% of soil samples contained detectable pesticide residues, with organophosphates (45%), organochlorines (32%), and synthetic pyrethroids (28%) being the most prevalent classes. The mean total pesticide concentration was 1.42 mg/kg with maximum individual concentrations reaching 2.87 mg/kg. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant negative correlations between pesticide residue levels and soil microbial biomass (r = -0.73, p < 0.001), earthworm abundance (r = -0.68, p < 0.001), and mycorrhizal fungi diversity (r = -0.61, p < 0.01). The study revealed that intensive agricultural practices have led to persistent contamination affecting soil biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem functioning. These findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable pesticide management strategies to protect soil ecological health in the Mandla region while maintaining agricultural productivity.