Investigating the effects of using agrochemicals for greenhouse flower production on the environment :

Abstract

The use of agrochemicals in greenhouses for flower production is common in many flower farms in Uganda today. This is because of their copious advantages which tantamount to increase in yields, improvement in quality and thus more revenue. Some of the most common agrochemicals include; pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers all of which play a vital in ensuring production of high quality and plentiful of yields. Since flowers are ornamental plants, their prices are mainly determined by the quality of the flower and this thus calls for massive use of agrochemicals. These investments earn Uganda a lot of foreign exchange because over 90% of the flowers are exported to outside countries like Holland, Germany, Switzerland and United States of America (UFEA). However, despite of all the benefits like increase in yields and foreign exchange, some agrochemicals used in these farms are a danger to humans when exposed to them and the aquatic life that live in the surrounding water bodies where wastewater from these farms is discharged. This research project therefore analyzed the effects of using such agrochemicals in greenhouses for flower production on the environment while providing practical solutions to the causes of the identified effects. The research involved the use of questionnaires which were distributed to workers of different flower farms and of different section so as to determine in what ways they are exposed to mainly pesticides and causes of such exposure. Key informant interviews were also carried out by the researcher as a means of looking for what ways those effects could be minimized. The researcher also had walks in those farms while monitoring the movement of wastewater from the farming area to the water source where the wastewater was being discharged. Also soil and wastewater tests from different farms were carried out and results showed that both soil and wastewater were somehow contaminated. The research finally provides practical solutions which when implemented can reduce on the impacts of agrochemicals on the environment. The first solution is a wastewater management system layout which separates excess pesticides from excess fertilizers and general wastewater discharge. The excess pesticides are harnessed in a soak pit while the excess fertilizers are recycled and the general wastewater discharge is harnessed in an artificial wetland on its way to the nearby water body. The second and last solution is a website for control of agrochemicals which can be used by the general public, flower farm workers plus owners of the flower farms. All users of this website can check for farm tips for those working in areas exposed to pesticides, check tar pesticide being used: it’s WHO classification, active ingredients and effects on the environment. One does not need a password to check for such information. Owners of flower farms can check for recommended values of different soil and wastewater parameters; check for recommended suppliers of standard agrochemicals and. laboratories to. carry out both soil and wastewater tests. This user requires a password to access such information which is provided by a main Administrator who can also edit and add missing information for both users.