FAO, 2018
"An extensive review of scientific research about the effects of pesticide use on soil functions was recently undertaken by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soil (FAO and ITPS, 2017). The main scientific-based evidence presented in this work showed an increase in the farmers’ net return when they applied pesticides, however the benefits of pesticide use are usually assessed by comparing use of synthetic pesticides versus no use of pesticides rather than comparing synthetic pesticides to biological control of pests (Cai, 2008). Negative associated impacts of specific pesticides on soil organisms and soil functions have been also reported." (p.52)
"For example pesticides that have been taken off the market in High Income Countries (HICs) due to their severe adverse effects on human health and the environment frequently remain registered in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). As pesticides residues can be found throughout the entire ecosystem, pesticide monitoring programmes about the level of residues in soils, surface and groundwater as well as and drinking water but particularly in food items are very important. However, in many low and middle income countries monitoring programmes are inexistent due to their scarcity of regulation capacity" (p.53).