Agriculture and Environment: Wood Pulp

Environmental Impacts of Production: Pollution from Agrochemical Inputs

Herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers are all used on tree plantations.

Herbicides are used to remove native plants that return after land is first cleared. Monoculture plantations are susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks, which are typically controlled with insecticides and fungicides.

However, some studies have suggested that eucalyptus plantations use fewer pesticides and fertilizers than crops such as corn, soybeans, or wheat (WRI et al. 1998).

The extent of chemical use varies depending on the company and region. The overall environmental impact depends not just on the quantity of chemicals used, but also on how and when they are used. Riocell S.A. in Brazil uses only the herbicide glyophosate (in targeted areas) and a single insecticide, which is widely applied (WRI et al. 1998).

In New Zealand, however, more than 30 different pesticides have been used, including organochlorines (the class of highly toxic chemicals that includes DDT) (Mattoon 1998). Mechanized application, especially aerial spraying, can be inaccurate on drift and can result in the excessive use of chemicals.