OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 19-Mar-2026 | Pages: 15-28 | Doi : 10.37446/vol2book092025/15-28
Agricultural ecosystems face unprecedented pollution challenges that threaten global food security and environmental sustainability. This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of how various pollution types – including air pollution, soil contamination, water pollution, heavy metal accumulation, pesticide residues, and nutrient pollution–impact agricultural productivity, soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem sustainability. Based on the recent studies, we prepare the synthesis of existing knowledge of the pollution processes, quantify the effects on crop harvests and ecosystem services, and assess mitigation policies. Evidence indicates that 64% of global agricultural land faces pesticide pollution risk, with documented declines of 70% in insect biomass and 50% in farmland bird populations in affected regions. Heavy metals and agrochemicals persist in soils, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and reducing crop productivity by up to 40%. However, sustainable practices including integrated pest management, precision agriculture, bioremediation, and agroecological approaches offer promising pathways toward pollution reduction while maintaining agricultural productivity. This chapter emphasizes that addressing agricultural pollution requires integrated approaches combining technological innovation, policy reform, and farmer education to ensure long-term sustainability of food production systems.
Agroecosystems, Soil Contamination, Environmental Pollution, Environmental Impact, Climate Resilient Regenerative Agriculture, Pesticide
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