Pesticidas orgânicos como alternativa sustentável para o controle de pragas e preservação da microbiota do solo

Abstract

Environmental degradation caused by the indiscriminate use of inorganic pesticides in agriculture represents one of the greatest challenges to the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. These highly toxic and persistent compounds compromise biodiversity, especially the soil microbiota, affecting bioindicator groups such as protozoa. In this context, organic pesticides emerge as promising alternatives, as they present lower toxicity, greater biodegradability, and less impact on non-target organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic pesticides on the soil microbiota, with an emphasis on protozoa, comparing them to the impacts of inorganic pesticides. The methodology adopted was a literature review, structured from the search for publications in the SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar databases and specialized books, considering the period from 2000 to 2024. The results indicate that organic pesticides, such as essential oils of neem, citronella, garlic and onion, as well as biofertilizers, preserve microbial diversity, stimulate edaphic enzymes and maintain the biogeochemical processes of the soil. In contrast, inorganic pesticides, such as glyphosate, organophosphates and triazines, exhibit high persistence, reducing the protozoan population by up to 60% and compromising essential soil functions. It is concluded that, although organic pesticides are not without limitations, they represent an environmentally safer alternative, capable of promoting agricultural sustainability, preserving biodiversity and reducing the ecotoxicological risks associated with conventional agrochemicals (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)