Herbicides and bio-inputs: Compatibility and challenges for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

With population growth and the contamination of ecosystems by pesticides and chemical fertilisers, agriculture faces the challenge of increasing productivity in a sustainable manner. In response to this demand, the global ecological transition has promoted the use of bio-inputs, such as fungi and bacteria, which are essential for agricultural sustainability. However, the extensive use of herbicides in modern agriculture may compromise the effectiveness of these bio-inputs by interfering with their biochemical pathways. This review compiles and analyses information on the compatibility between herbicides and bio-inputs, focusing on the effects of herbicides on microbiological control agents and biofertilising bacteria. Based on scientific publications from the past four decades, the results indicate that herbicides can significantly interfere with different groups of microorganisms, depending on the variables assessed and the selectivity of the products. To mitigate these impacts, the prioritised use of selective herbicides, bio-inputs protected by specific molecules, and management practices that avoid direct contact between herbicides and bio-inputs is suggested. This study contributes to the understanding of interactions between herbicides and bio-inputs, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices aligned with global objectives for food security and environmental preservation.

Keywords: Biofertilisers; Bioinoculants; Non-target organisms; Sustainability.