Agroecology is defined as the integration of agricultural practices and ecological outcomes. It involves the study of food production, the economy, environmental issues, and the resulting social impacts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, large quantities of biocides have been released into agricultural lands, ponds, and rivers via surface water runoff, which has had a negative impact on countries’ agroecology.
It is predicted that current issues related to the widespread application of biocides in human settlements to prevent diseases could have serious future effects on soil ecology by reducing the rhizospheric microflora in plant soils. Biocides also eliminate beneficial organisms—which are essential for the recycling of micro- and macronutrients but are not the intended targets—and consequently reduce soil fertility.
Soil microbial diversity is recognized as a key factor in sustaining continuous production on agricultural lands. The total mass of the microflora and microfauna beneath the soil is 20 times greater than the total human population on Earth. For this reason, more research is needed to find ways to mitigate the impact of biocides used elsewhere before they enter agricultural lands and contaminate water bodies.