El uso de agroquímicos en Los Andes Venezolanos y su impacto ambiental

Abstract

More than two decades ago, the Global Assessment of the Status of Human-Induced Soil Degradation (GLASOD) showed that, globally, 15% of the total land surface had been damaged (13% lightly and moderately, and 2% severely and very severely). The key identified causes were: overgrazing, deforestation and agricultural activities. These two latter are associated with the expansion of agricultural frontiers, overexploitation of water for irrigation and an increased use of agrochemicals (fertilizers and biocides) in order to achieve and maintain higher crop yields. In Venezuela, although the use of agrochemicals is regulated by a robust legal framework, there are multiple cases in the upper watershed lands that demonstrate the relationship between the use of pesticides and soil and water degradation. These problems have an impact on physical, natural and social variables. Accordingly, this paper presents an analysis of the use of agrochemicals in the Venezuelan Andes highlighting the economic, legal, environmental and agricultural aspects.