ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the problems associated with soil and the environment, and offers research and development strategies in anticipation of the future when Malaysia becomes a fully developed and highly industrialized nation. Malaysian soils are generally of low fertility, and the crops are subjected to serious disease, pest, and weed problems. Thus, the dependence on fertilizer and agrochemicals in the future will be inevitable. Malaysia imports most of the fertilizers consumed, except urea, which is manufactured locally. Malaysian agriculture depends heavily on agrochemicals to maintain high productivity. The agro-chemicals used are herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Herbicides constitute about 80% of the agrochemicals consumed in Malaysia. The future consumption of fertilizers and agrochemicals in Malaysia is dictated by economic factors and environmental consciousness. The type of soil can affect the environment in terms of heavy metals and agrochemical contamination. Inputs of fertilizers and agrochemicals are expected to continue to play an important role in the agricultural sector.
