Effects of Agrochemicals on Biodiversity in Cambodian Rice Paddies

Abstract

Harvesting rice is essential to the Cambodian economy and culture. Cambodian farmers harvest more than just rice; they also harvest and consume the fauna that live within their paddies. Rising global rice demand has pushed Cambodian farmers to use agrochemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides) to increase their yields. Many of these chemicals are highly toxic, and may have adverse effects on the fragile food chains within the paddies. This study was conducted to determine the effects of agrochemical use on the biodiversity and species richness found within Cambodia?s lowland irrigated rice paddies.