Case study: What happens if Europe bans glyphosate? Increased tillage, higher greenhouse gas emissions, less biodiversity — and billions in losses for farmers
Case study: What happens if Europe bans glyphosate? Increased tillage, higher greenhouse gas emissions, less biodiversity — and billions in losses for farmers
Following the introduction of glyphosate in 1974, its efficacy against a vast range of weeds and its low price has established it as Europe’s most widely used herbicide. However, concerns about possible health and environmental impacts now threaten its continued approval for use. This review considers the contribution of glyphosate to European agriculture and the likely impacts on crop production if it were to be withdrawn. Without glyphosate, EU farmers could experience losses in wheat production of up to 24 Mt (worth €10.5 billion), 10.4 Mt in potatoes (worth €2 billion), and 4.7 Mt in grapes (worth €4.2 billion).
Withdrawal of glyphosate would result in an increase in soil tillage, damaging the environment through soil structure degradation, increased risk of soil erosion, reduced soil biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4–3.8 Mt CO2e per year across the EU through oxidation of organic matter. Increased machinery usage would require 15–44 L more fuel per hectare. Alternative weed control strategies are both less effective and more costly, often requiring additional labour at times of peak demand. They are also less effective at providing lasting control across a broad range of species and are inapplicable to conservation tillage practices.
It is expected that in the absence of glyphosate, many of the current production systems, and some crop rotations would no longer be financially or practically viable.
This is an excerpt. Read the original post here
 | Videos | More... |
Video: Nuclear energy will destroy us? Global warming is an existential threat? Chemicals are massacring bees? Donate to the Green Industrial Complex!
 | Bees & Pollinators | More... |
GLP podcast: Science journalism is a mess. Here’s how to fix it
Mosquito massacre: Can we safely tackle malaria with a CRISPR gene drive?
Are we facing an ‘Insect Apocalypse’ caused by ‘intensive, industrial’ farming and agricultural chemicals? The media say yes; Science says ‘no’
 | Infographics | More... |
Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer
 | GMO FAQs | More... |
Why is there controversy over GMO foods but not GMO drugs?
How are GMOs labeled around the world?
How does genetic engineering differ from conventional breeding?
 | GLP Profiles | More... |
Alex Jones: Right-wing conspiracy theorist stokes fear of GMOs, pesticides to sell ‘health supplements’
Viewpoint — Fact checking MAHA mythmakers: How wellness influencers and RFK, Jr. undermine American science and health
Viewpoint: Video — Big Solar is gobbling up productive agricultural land and hurting farmers yet providing little energy or sustainabilty gains
Fighting deforestation with CO2: Biotechnology breakthrough creates sustainable palm oil alternative for cosmetics
Trust issues: What happens when therapists use ChatGPT?
California, Washington, Oregon forge immunization alliance to safeguard vaccine access against federal undermining
30-year-old tomato line shows genetic resistance to devastating virus
The free-range chicken dilemma: Better for birds, but with substantial costs
‘You have to treat the brain first’: Rethinking chronic pain with Sanjay Gupta
