What could be a consequence of over-application of pesticides?

Over-application of pesticides can lead to increased pest resistance, which is a significant concern in pest management. When pesticides are applied excessively or too frequently, pests that survive the treatment may develop resistance to the chemicals used against them. This occurs because the few surviving pests can pass on their resistant traits to the next generation, leading to a population of pests that are more difficult to control. Over time, this can result in a cycle of escalating pesticide use, as more potent or different chemicals are needed to manage the resistant pest populations.

In contrast, higher crop yields, reduced leaching potential, and improved soil health are not typically associated with the over-application of pesticides. In fact, excessive pesticide use can adversely affect yield if it disrupts beneficial organisms in the soil and can lead to environmental issues such as water contamination. Thus, managing pesticide application carefully is crucial for effective pest control and the sustainability of agricultural practices.