Agrochemicals

Definition of Agrochemicals

Agrochemicals are chemical products used in agriculture to enhance crop production, protect plants, and manage soil fertility. They include fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators. Agrochemicals help farmers increase yields, protect crops from pests and diseases, and maintain soil health when applied responsibly.

Agrochemical usage is a key part of modern farming systems, balancing productivity with environmental sustainability. Proper selection, dosage, timing, and application methods are crucial to minimize risks to human health, ecosystems, and beneficial organisms.

Why Agrochemicals Matter

Agrochemicals are central to ensuring high and stable agricultural yields. They help protect crops from pests, weeds, and diseases, and supply essential nutrients to maintain soil fertility. Without agrochemicals, crop losses would be higher, food production less efficient, and global food security more vulnerable.

At the same time, agrochemicals must be used carefully. Overuse or misuse can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, pest resistance, and negative impacts on biodiversity. Research and regulation are therefore essential to promote safe, effective, and environmentally responsible agrochemical practices.

Agrochemicals also play an economic role by supporting the efficiency and profitability of farming operations, enabling farmers to manage crops at scale and meet growing global food demand.

Related Terms

• Fertilizer – Chemical or natural substances applied to soil or plants to supply nutrients for growth.

• Pesticide – Chemicals used to control pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds.

• Herbicide – A type of pesticide specifically targeting unwanted plants or weeds.

• Insecticide – Chemicals designed to control or eliminate harmful insects.

• Fungicide – Chemicals that prevent or treat fungal infections in crops.

• Plant Growth Regulator – Substances that influence plant growth, development, and yield.

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – A holistic approach to controlling pests that combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods.

Useful Resources

Explore these authoritative sources to learn more about agrochemicals, safe application, and modern crop protection practices:

• Agrochemical – Wikipedia – Overview of agrochemical types, usage, and environmental considerations.

• Agrochemicals | Britannica– Accessible explanation of agrochemicals, their functions, and impacts on agriculture.

• CropLife Europe - The European organisation that represents the crop protection sector.

• FAO – Plant Protection & Agrochemicals – The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) supports countries in the transition to sustainable crop production systems. 

• Pesticides – HSE (Health and Safety Executive) - Official UK guidance on the safe handling, storage, use and disposal of pesticides and plant protection products, including risk assessment and legal requirements.

• Pesticides – European Commission (CAP & Plant Protection) – EU overview on plant protection products and pesticide regulation, including links to sustainability objectives under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

• EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization) Global Database - The database provides all pest-specific information that has been produced or collected by EPPO.

• Agrochemicals – MDPI (Open Access Journal) – An international, peer‑reviewed scientific journal dedicated to all aspects of agrochemicals, including formulation, use patterns, environmental impact, and sustainability. It publishes reviews and original research articles accessible to readers worldwide.

Learn the meaning of more essential agricultural terms with our easy-to-use Key Terms glossary here