Scientific Opinion addressing the state of the science on risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms
- Authors: Ockleford, C.; Adriaanse, P.; Berny, P.; Brock, T.; Duquesne, S.; Grilli, S.; Hernandez Jerez, A.; Bennekou, S.; Klein, M.; Kuhl, T.; Laskowski, R.; Machera, K.; Pelkonen, O.; Pieper, S.; Stemmer, M.; Sundh, I.; Teodorovic, I.; Tiktak, A.; Topping, C.; Wolterink, G.; Craig, P.; de Jong, F.; Manachini, B.; Sousa, P.; Swarowsky, K.; Auteri, D.; Arena, M.; Rob, S.
- Publication year: 2017
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Key words: in-soil invertebrates, microorganisms, effects, pesticides, protection goals, risk assessment
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/235931
Abstract
Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science behind the risk assessment of plant protection products for in-soil organisms. The current risk assessment scheme is reviewed, taking into account new regulatory frameworks and scientific developments. Proposals are made for specific protection goals for in-soil organisms being key drivers for relevant ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes such as nutrient cycling, soil structure, pest control and biodiversity. Considering the time-scales and biological processes related to the dispersal of the majority of in-soil organisms compared to terrestrial non-target arthropods living above soil, the Panel proposes that in-soil environmental risk assessments are made at in- and off-field scale considering field boundary levels. A new testing strategy which takes into account the relevant exposure routes for in-soil organisms and the potential direct and indirect effects is proposed. In order to address species recovery and long-term impacts of PPPs, the use of population models is also proposed.