Thesis Abstract

This project aims to investigate the effects of agrochemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, on soil microbial community structure and function in agricultural ecosystems. Agrochemical inputs have become integral to modern agricultural practices, yet their unintended impacts on soil microbial communities, which play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and ecosystem functioning, are not fully understood. This study will employ molecular and biochemical techniques to assess the responses of soil microbial communities to agrochemical exposure, including changes in microbial diversity, composition, and metabolic activities. The research outcomes will provide insights into the ecological consequences of agrochemical use on soil microbial communities and inform sustainable soil management practices for maintaining soil health and productivity.

Thesis Overview