Agronomic drivers of pesticide use in small-scale horticultural systems in central Mexico: cropping and farming system factors.

Abstract

Horticultural Production Systems (HPS) in Mexico face challenges due to small-scale operations, limited resources, and high dependence on family labor. This study explores the use of agrochemicals in HPS and its impact on productivity and potential exposure to pesticides. Through on-farm surveys in the Morelia-Queréndaro valley, Central Mexico, factors influencing agrochemical use and toxicity were investigated. Results show that HPS configuration plays a pivotal role in predicting agrochemical use. HPS dominated by a single crop tend to use more herbicides and fertilizers, while diversified systems use fewer herbicides. Crop-specific management practices, such as row spacing and intercropping, significantly influence herbicide usage. Surprisingly, higher volumes of insecticides and fungicides do not consistently correlate with increased yields. Additionally, relationships between pesticide use and crop yields vary across onion cropping systems, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies. We highlight the significant toxicity of insecticides and the importance of understanding factors determining their application volumes. Overall, this research underscores the complexity of agrochemical use in HPS and emphasizes the potential of diversified farming systems to reduce reliance on agrochemical inputs while maintaining productivity. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and provide valuable insights for policy makers and farm managers.