Question

Define pesticides. How are these beneficial in agriculture? Describe the manner in which these could be harmful.

Answer 1

Pesticides are chemical compounds that are used to kill pests, including insects, rodents, fungi and unwanted plants (weeds). Pesticides are used in agriculture to increase food production, increase profits for farmers and the prevent diseases. Volatization occurs when a pesticide turns into a gas or vapor after it has been sprayed, allowing it to travel through the air and spread to different pieces of land, (Vapor Drift). This can be harmful for wildlife, such as frogs and also affect humans.